Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee
Our Summary
Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu played only eight snaps in the wild-card playoff loss to the Rams before suffering a significant injury. An MRI revealed a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The injury will require surgery and may impact his availability for the 2026 regular season. Head coach Dave Canales described the injury as "significant." Yosh Nijman stepped in to replace Ekwonu during the game. Ekwonu previously missed a game against the Buccaneers due to a knee issue and sat out the season opener while recovering from a preseason appendectomy. The Panthers have exercised the fifth-year option on Ekwonu's contract for the 2026 season.
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