The Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium for the home opener. The offensive line aims for more consistency in pass protection on Sunday after a good but not great showing in Week 1 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Panthers allowed ten pressures, seven hurries, two quarterback hits, and one sack across 43 pass-blocking reps, per PFF, with left tackle being the weakest position.
Carolina Panthers’ star blindside protector did not play in Week 1
Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) during warm up at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Ikem Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy a few weeks ago due to an inflamed appendix and was initially described as day-to-day. The star left tackle did not play in Week 1 after not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday, but participated in a limited capacity on Friday last week before being downgraded from doubtful to out. Ekwonu participated in a limited capacity this week and was listed as questionable in the official injury report.
Also Read: Carolina Panthers: Key Blocker Hit With Brutal Injury Update
Carolina Panthers get major offensive line boost
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN,Ikem Ekwonu is expected to make his season debut against the Arizona Cardinals. As a result, the sixth pick from the 2022 NFL Draft will return to the starting lineup after missing the first game of the regular season. Ekwonu will be tasked with going up against Baron Browning and Josh Sweat.
#Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu (questionable, appendix) is expected to play Sunday, per sources. Ekwonu missed Week 1.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 13, 2025
Who started at LT in Week 1?
Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (77) on the sidelines before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Yosh Nijman served as Bryce Young’s blindside protector against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran tackle struggled in pass protection but played well in the running game. Nijman allowed six pressures and six hurries across 43 pass-blocking snaps and posted an impressive 80.8 run-blocking grade, according to PFF.
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