What Ikem Ekwonu Missing Week 1 really means for the Carolina Panthers

Ikem Ekwonu during Week 1 practice session 2025 Photo: Kevin Tolbert, ADSN

When your father, a doctor who routinely diagnoses acute symptoms to determine their severity, tells you to seek further medical attention, you listen. That’s exactly what Carolina Panthers’ offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu did recently to address the issue of an ailing appendix. “You know my Dad’s a physician and he was, like, it’s been some time so it’s about time to get a CAT scan. I followed his advice and got one and they ended up catching it,” Ekwonu revealed to the media recently during the team’s open locker room media period.

The Carolina Panthers are currently preparing for their 2025 NFL season to opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, a cloud of uncertainty looms over their offensive line as Ekwonu continues to recover. Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy on August 24th, just two weeks before the season opener. While head coach Dave Canales has labeled him “day-to-day,” the reality is that recovery from such a procedure varies widely. With Ekwonu’s status in question, the Panthers may be forced to turn to their depth chart sooner than expected.

With the full season ahead of them, bring the starting tackle back too soon and risking further damage would not be in the team’s best interest. The medical realities are a minefield to navigate. Appendectomy recovery is not one-size-fits-all. While some athletes, like Minkah Fitzpatrick, returned within eight days, others like David Bakhtiari missed multiple games. The type of surgery—laparoscopic vs. open—affects recovery time, but even minimally invasive procedures carry risks.

Top 3 Risks of Premature Return:

1. Abdominal Hernia

   • Strenuous activity too soon can cause the surgical site to reopen or weaken, leading to hernias. Given the continuous pushing and core strength needed to play on the offensive line, this is a top reason for the team to tread carefully with Ekwonu’s recovery. The severe pain from such an injury could seriously reduce his effectiveness and agility.

   • Hernias may also require additional surgery and could sideline a player for months—a possible season ender.

2. Internal Bleeding or Infection

   • The abdominal cavity is highly vascular. Overexertion can lead to internal bleeding or infection at the incision site. And with overexertion being a big part of the day-to-day routine in the NFL, that scenario is also a high ranking concern.

3. Reduced Core Strength and Stability

   • The core muscles are essential for offensive linemen, especially in pass protection.

   • Playing before regaining full strength could compromise technique and increase injury risk elsewhere (e.g., back, hips).

     
     

Given Ekwonu’s role anchoring the blind side, any compromise in core stability could be catastrophic—not just for him, but for quarterback Bryce Young.

If Ekwonu is ruled out, the Panthers have two primary options with Brady Christensen and Yosh Nijman. Nijman’s name was mentioned earlier in the week when head coach Dave Canales addressed the media about the issue.

Brady Christensen possess the position flexibility needed. He played left tackle in college at BYU, and has NFL experience at guard and tackle. Christensen is technically sound and versatile. He’s a cerebral player who can hold his own in pass protection but lacks Ekwonu’s raw power.

2024 Stats:

• Games Played: 14

• Starts at LT: 3

• Pass Block Grade (PFF): 69.4

• Run Block Grade (PFF): 72.1

• Pressures Allowed: 18

• Sacks Allowed: 2

Yosh Nijman is a serviceable veteran but has struggled with consistency. He’s better suited to the right side and may be a liability against elite edge rushers like Josh Allen of the Jaguars.

Yosh Nijman

• NFL Experience: 25 career starts, including 3 in 2024 for Carolina at RT

• 2024 Stats:

  • Games Played: 15

  • Pass Block Grade (PFF): 63.8

  • Run Block Grade (PFF): 68.2

  • Pressures Allowed: 24

  • Sacks Allowed: 4

NFL teams promote a next-man-up philosophy when it comes to injuries. But just as in other sports and professions, there are different levels of performance. Many are concerned about the falloff if Ekwonu is not healthy enough to play in the team’s week 1 matchup. Drafted sixth overall in 2022, Ekwonu has developed into one of the league’s premier young tackles.

Ekwonu’s 2024 Performance:

Metric	Value	NFL Rank (Among Tackles)
Games Played	15	—
Pass Block Grade	66.2	65th / 140
Run Block Grade	80.5	11th / 140
Total Pressures Allowed	21	Top 30
Sacks Allowed	3	Top 25

Ekwonu’s strength lies in the run game. His 80.5 run block grade ranked 11th among all tackles. He’s a mauler who opens lanes for Chuba Hubbard and Trevor Etienne, and his ability to reach the second level is an integral force on the Panthers’ line.

Without him the team’s run game efficiency drops. Expect fewer outside zone runs and less success on early downs in any week 1 scenario the does not include Ekwonu.

Pass protection also weakens. Bryce Young could face more pressure from the blind side. Additionally, the playbook shrinks. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik may need to simplify protections and rely on quicker throws in a more unbalanced fashion due to Ekwonu’s possible replacements lacking the dynamic range he has.

The Jaguars boast a formidable front seven, including edge rusher Josh Allen and linebacker Devin Lloyd. If Ekwonu is out the Panthers may need to chip with tight ends or backs, limiting route combinations. Without Ekwonu, Bryce Young’s mobility, although more recognizable toward the end of last season, will be tested, especially on rollouts and bootlegs. This would be scenario to expect more inside runs, leaning on Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett.

  Christensen vs. Nijman: Who’s the Better Fit?

Attribute	Christensen	Nijman
Experience at LT	High (College + NFL)	Moderate (Mostly RT)
Pass Protection	Better technique	More physical
Run Blocking	Solid	Inconsistent
Versatility	Can play 4 positions	Primarily tackle
QB Chemistry	Strong	Limited

Ekwonu’s recovery is on the borderline. While he’s reportedly feeling better, he hasn’t practiced yet. Even if he suits up this Sunday, he may be limited. Nothing, however, is a bigger battle than the mental toll on players who have to sit and watch from the sidelines. “Being around the guys and being around family and stuff has definitely been good and helpful. I tried to show my face here the second I got out of the hospital. It’s definitely been tough,” Ekwonu said.

One time is a charm for Ekwonu who spoke about one of the biggest contributing factors that has allowed him to manage his mental space during the process. “They were telling me you only get one appendix. So now that it’s out it’s done, I never have to worry about it again. So I get comfort in that.”

Ekwonu is a locker room leader. But his absence does not appear to be having any negative affect on morale. The team has been upbeat about the development of the offense and recent signing of Hunter Renfrow – another key weapon to help the offense respond to these types of scenarios. His presence in meetings and walkthroughs helps, but nothing replaces game-day leadership.

The Panthers face a tough decision. Rushing Ekwonu back could jeopardize his long-term health and the team’s season. Playing it safe may mean a less effective offensive line in Week 1, which is certainly a statement game for the Canales machine. The move protects their franchise left tackle to fight another day if he’s not ready this week.

But if Ekwonu sits, Christensen should start. They have enough depth to survive—if they adjust their game plan accordingly. As the countdown to kickoff continues, all eyes will be on the Panthers’ injury report. Whether Ekwonu plays or not, his situation underscores the fragility of NFL rosters and the importance of depth, preparation, and smart medical decisions.