Ekwonu in doubt for Panthers debut: Will he play vs Jaguars?

Ickey Ekwonu in Doubt for Panthers Debut After Appendectomy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers could start the season without their starting left tackle, Ickey Ekwonu, due to an emergency appendectomy performed on Sunday. Coach Dave Canales reported on Wednesday that the status of the player, selected in the sixth position of the 2022 draft, is uncertain and will be evaluated day by day, probably until the September 7 game against Jacksonville.

“We have seen that these situations are resolved in just over a week,” Canales commented. “It can also take longer. It depends on each individual, how their body reacts to the surgery and the correct healing.”

Dave Canales, Panthers Coach

Canales explained that Ekwonu showed up at Bank of America Stadium on the weekend with abdominal pain. After being evaluated by the medical team, surgery was recommended. While Ekwonu recovers, Yosh Nijman, a veteran, will be in charge of covering his position. Brady Christensen, guard and tackle, and Brandon Walton, a member of the practice squad, will also have playing opportunities. Nijman has started in four games in the last two seasons, playing for both the Green Bay Packers and Carolina. Last year, he started in three games with the Panthers. “I’m very hopeful that Ekwonu will recover for the game against the Jaguars,” Canales said. “We’re hoping he can get back on the field over the game weekend.”