Charlotte NC, January 12, 2026
The Carolina Panthers’ offseason plans are significantly impacted by the injury of starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who is expected to undergo surgery for a torn patellar tendon. This injury will likely sideline him for six to twelve months, complicating the team’s strategy to strengthen their offensive line. With Ekwonu entering the final year of his contract, discussions about a long-term extension may now be on hold as the Panthers evaluate their options moving forward.
Charlotte
The Carolina Panthers face a significant challenge to their upcoming offseason plans following the confirmation of a severe injury to their starting left tackle, Ikem Ekwonu. Head Coach Dave Canales announced that Ekwonu suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee during Saturday’s NFC Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams, an injury that will necessitate surgery and sideline him for an extended period. This development critically impacts the team’s top offseason priority of fortifying the offensive line.
Ekwonu’s Injury and Expected Recovery
Ekwonu sustained the injury in the first quarter of the playoff game on Saturday, January 10, 2026, and did not return to play. Coach Canales officially confirmed the severity on Sunday, January 11, 2026, stating that the injury is significant and requires surgery. While a definitive timeline for his return is not yet established, medical experts indicate that recovery from a torn patellar tendon typically ranges from six to twelve months. This lengthy rehabilitation process means Ekwonu is expected to miss the entirety of the upcoming offseason program, training camp, and potentially a substantial portion of the 2026 NFL season.
Impact on Offseason Priorities and Contract Status
The injury to a key offensive starter like Ekwonu complicates the Panthers’ strategic planning for the offseason, particularly concerning the offensive line. The team had already identified strengthening the offensive line as a major priority, and now they must factor in Ekwonu’s absence. This includes considering potential investments in other left tackles through free agency or the NFL Draft.
Ekwonu, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is currently entering the final year of his rookie contract after the Panthers exercised his $17.56 million fifth-year option for the 2026 season. This amount is guaranteed, regardless of his playing status for the year. Discussions regarding a long-term contract extension with Ekwonu, which were reportedly underway, may now be paused due to the severity and recovery timeline of this injury. His long-term future with the team beyond the 2026 season now faces uncertainty.
Ekwonu’s Season and Past Injury Concerns
In the 2025 season, Ekwonu started 15 regular season games, demonstrating his importance to the offensive unit. He allowed five sacks and 40 total pressures during this period. It is notable that this current patellar tendon injury is unrelated to a previous knee issue that caused him to miss a Week 16 game against Tampa Bay in 2025. Additionally, Ekwonu missed the 2025 season opener after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Despite these previous challenges, he has been a consistent presence on the field, appearing in 64 games, all starts, over his four seasons with Carolina, playing nearly 100% of offensive snap counts.
Panthers’ Recent Season and Broader Offseason Outlook
The Panthers concluded their 2025 season with an 8-9 record, ultimately winning the NFC South Division. Their playoff journey ended with a 34-31 Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The team is now shifting its focus entirely to the offseason, where General Manager Dan Morgan will be tasked with making critical decisions regarding 26 pending free agents. The team is projected to have approximately $28.1 million in salary cap space for these considerations.
In other personnel news, Coach Canales also confirmed the retention of Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero for the 2026 season. Canales expressed full support and confidence in Evero, whose contract was extended. This decision aims to maintain consistency on the defensive side of the ball as the team works to build on the progress made during the past season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions regarding Ikem Ekwonu’s injury and its impact on the Carolina Panthers:
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What is Ikem Ekwonu’s injury?
- Ikem Ekwonu, the Carolina Panthers’ starting left tackle, suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.
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When did Ikem Ekwonu sustain the injury?
- He was injured in the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
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What is the expected recovery time for Ikem Ekwonu?
- The normal recovery time for a torn patellar tendon typically ranges from six to twelve months.
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How will this injury affect the Carolina Panthers’ 2026 season?
- Ekwonu is expected to miss the coming offseason program, training camp, and a large portion of the 2026 season, complicating the team’s offseason planning along the offensive line.
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What is Ikem Ekwonu’s contract status?
- The Panthers picked up his $17.56 million fifth-year option for the 2026 season, which is guaranteed. Discussions for a long-term extension may be paused.
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What was the Carolina Panthers’ record in the 2025 season?
- The Carolina Panthers finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record and won the NFC South Division.
Key Details of Ikem Ekwonu’s Injury and Impact
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Player Name | Ikem Ekwonu | Team-level |
| Team | Carolina Panthers | Team-level |
| Position | Starting Left Tackle | Team-level |
| Injury Type | Torn Patellar Tendon (right knee) | Team-level |
| Injury Date | Saturday, January 10, 2026 (NFC Wild Card Round) | Team-level |
| Coach Confirmation Date | Sunday, January 11, 2026 | Team-level |
| Required Treatment | Surgery | Team-level |
| Estimated Recovery Time | Six to Twelve Months | Nationwide (general medical knowledge) |
| Impact on 2026 Season | Expected to miss offseason program, training camp, and large portion of season | Team-level |
| Contract Status for 2026 | Fifth-year option picked up ($17.56 million, guaranteed) | Team-level |
| Impact on Contract Extension | Discussions may be paused | Team-level |
| 2022 NFL Draft Pick | No. 6 Overall Pick | Nationwide |
| Panthers’ 2025 Season Record | 8-9, won NFC South Division | Team-level |
| Panthers’ Playoff Result | Lost NFC Wild Card Round (34-31 to Los Angeles Rams) | Team-level |
| Other Offseason Priority | Strengthening offensive line | Team-level |
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