Carolina Panthers Face Early Adversity: Breaking Down the First Injury Report of the 2025 Season
- Kevin Tolbert, ADSN
- Sep 4
- 5 min read
As the Carolina Panthers gear up for their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the team’s first official injury report of the 2025 NFL season has raised eyebrows across the league. Released Wednesday afternoon, the report lists four key contributors—three of whom are starters on the offensive line—as either limited or absent from practice. With the Panthers entering a pivotal season under head coach Dave Canales, and no mention of a contract extension for Bryce Young, now in his third season with the team, the early health concerns could have significant implications for their Week 1 performance and beyond.
Let’s take a closer look at the four players listed on the Panthers’ injury report:
1. Ikem Ekwonu – Left Tackle (Did Not Participate)
Perhaps the most concerning name on the list is starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to illness. However, this isn’t your typical flu bug. Ekwonu recently underwent an emergency appendectomy just over a week ago, and while the team initially listed his absence as “illness,” it’s clear that his recovery from surgery is the real issue.
Head coach Dave Canales described Ekwonu’s status as “day-to-day,” noting that the team is hopeful he can return to individual drills by Friday. But on Wednesday, Ekwonu was not in uniform. “He’s gotta have a great day on Friday,” Canales said. “That’s the goal right now. We had him out there running, moving around a little bit today. Tomorrow he’ll do a little bit more. And then the hope is Friday to get him into the individual period”.
2. Damien Lewis – Guard (Limited Participation)
Damien Lewis, the Panthers’ starting left guard, was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice due to lingering shoulder and ankle issues. Lewis strained his shoulder during joint practices in August and wore a red non-contact jersey during the final week of training camp. While he’s shed that designation, his mobility and strength remain under evaluation.
Lewis signed a four-year, $53 million deal with Carolina in 2024 and was expected to anchor the interior line alongside Robert Hunt. His limited status suggests he’s trending in the right direction, but his availability for Sunday remains uncertain.
3. Damarri Mathis – Cornerback (Limited Participation)
Cornerback Damarri Mathis was also listed as a limited participant due to a knee injury. Mathis, who joined the Panthers in the offseason, was expected to play a significant role in the secondary rotation. While the team hasn’t disclosed the severity of the injury, Mathis’ presence at practice—albeit limited—is a positive sign.
Given Jacksonville’s explosive receiving corps led by rookie sensation Travis Hunter, Mathis’ availability could be crucial in slowing down the Jaguars’ aerial attack.
4. Robert Hunt – Guard (Limited Participation)
Starting right guard Robert Hunt rounds out the injury report. Hunt was pulled from Wednesday’s practice after aggravating a foot injury. According to Canales, Hunt attempted to return to drills but was shut down for further evaluation.
Hunt’s status is particularly concerning given the Panthers’ already thin offensive line. If both Hunt and Lewis are unavailable, Carolina may be forced to rely on backups Cade Mays and Chandler Zavala—neither of whom have extensive starting experience.
With three starting offensive linemen potentially sidelined, the Panthers are already testing the depth they spent the offseason building. Here’s how the team might adjust:
Left Tackle: If Ekwonu can’t go, veteran Yosh Nijman is expected to start. Nijman has 25 career starts and played right tackle for Carolina in 2024. Brady Christensen is another option, offering versatility across the line.
Guard Positions: Cade Mays and Chandler Zavala are the top candidates to fill in for Lewis and Hunt. Mays has been practicing at left guard and could slide into the starting role if Lewis is ruled out. Zavala, who battled a knee injury during training camp, has experience at both guard spots and finished last season strong.
Las Vegas oddsmakers have weighed in on the Panthers’ injury situation, and the betting lines reflect growing skepticism about Carolina’s ability to field a healthy offensive line.
Game Line Movement
Opening Spread: Jaguars -3.5
Current Spread: Jaguars -3.5 (holding steady)
Total Points: Over/Under 46.5
Despite the injury concerns, the spread hasn’t moved significantly, suggesting that bookmakers believe the Panthers still have a chance to compete—assuming some of their injured starters suit up.
Player Availability Predictions (Based on Vegas Analysis)
Player | Status | Vegas Likelihood to Play | Notes |
Ikem Ekwonu | DNP (Appendectomy) | 40% | Needs to practice Friday to have a shot |
Damien Lewis | Limited (Shoulder/Ankle) | 70% | Trending upward, but not a lock |
Damarri Mathis | Limited (Knee) | 80% | Expected to play barring setback |
Robert Hunt | Limited (Foot) | 60% | Evaluation ongoing; Friday will be key |
The Panthers face a tough test in Week 1 against a Jaguars team that’s healthy, fast, and hungry. Jacksonville’s defense ranked in the top half of the league in sacks and pressures last season, and they’ll be licking their chops if Carolina trots out a patchwork offensive line.
Led by Josh Allen and Travon Walker, the Jaguars’ pass rush could feast on a weakened Panthers line. If Ekwonu and Hunt are out, Bryce Young may find himself under siege early and often.
Expect Carolina to lean heavily on quick passes, screens, and misdirection to neutralize Jacksonville’s front seven. Tight ends Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders could play expanded roles in pass protection and short-yardage routes.
Head coach Dave Canales remains optimistic despite the injury setbacks. “We’ve got depth, we’ve got versatility, and we’ve got guys who are ready to step up,” Canales said. “It’s not ideal, but it’s football. You prepare for this.”
Canales emphasized the importance of Friday’s practice, which will likely determine the final game-day roster. “Friday’s going to be big. We’ll know a lot more then,” he added.
To understand the gravity of these injuries, consider the following statistics from last season:
Category | Value | NFL Rank |
Sacks Allowed | 47 | 28th |
QB Hits Allowed | 98 | 30th |
Run Blocking Grade (PFF) | 62.3 | 25th |
Pass Blocking Grade (PFF) | 59.7 | 27th |
The Panthers invested heavily in upgrading their offensive line this offseason, and losing three starters before Week 1 could derail that progress.
The Panthers’ first injury report of the 2025 season is a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. But unfortunately it is part of a dark scenario that has plagued the franchise for more than 5 seasons. With three starting offensive linemen and a key cornerback nursing injuries, Carolina faces a daunting challenge in Jacksonville.
Yet, this moment also presents an opportunity. Depth players like Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, and Chandler Zavala have a chance to prove their worth. It would also show the brilliance of new general manager Dan Morgan who has worked diligently to bring a winning roster to Carolina. Bryce Young, entering his third season, must demonstrate poise and adaptability under pressure.
If the Panthers can weather this early storm and garner a win on the road, it could set the tone for a resilient and competitive campaign. If not, the injuries may be the first cracks in a season full of promise.
