Ekwonu underwent surgery this week to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 2022 first-round pick from NC State ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee during the Panthers' wild-card loss to the Rams, and he's already undergone surgery to address the issue. Recovery timelines for this injury typically range from six to 12 months, as Jimmy Graham was able to return nine months after the suffering a similar injury during the 2016 NFL season, per Person. Once fully healthy, Ekwonu is expected to remain the Panthers' starting left tackle in 2026.

Panthers coach Dave Canales confirmed that Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during Saturday's 34-31 loss to the Rams in wild-card round, Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The typical recovery timeline for a ruptured patellar tendon is six to 12 months, leaving Ekwonu's status up in the air for the start of the 2026 campaign. The 2022 first-rounder has started 64 regular-season games in four years with Carolina, including 15 starts at left tackle in 2025. Ekwonu is set to enter next season on a one-year, $17.56 million contract after the Panthers exercised his fifth-year option last April.

Ekwonu suffered a significant knee injury Saturday that will carry into the offseason, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekwonu suffered the injury early in the first quarter, and he was carted off the field. After the game, he was spotted on crutches with a brace around his knee, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. While there hasn't been an exact diagnosis, Ekwonu is likely to miss at least some offseason activity.

Ekwonwu (knee) is questionable to return to Carolina's wild-card matchup versus the Rams on Saturday, David Newton of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekwonwu was carted off the field during the first quarter after sustaining a knee injury. Yosh Nijman will take over at left tackle if Ekwonwu ends up being unable to return.

Ekwonu (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Ekwonu was held out of the Panthers' Week 16 win over the Buccaneers due to a knee injury. He is now on track to play against the Seahawks on Sunday and will likely reclaim the starting job at left tackle from Yosh Nijman.

Ekwonu (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Ekwonu is dealing with a knee injury and logged a DNP/DNP/LP practice progression this week. Despite getting in some work Friday, he's not going to be able to play against the Bucs. Yosh Nijman will start at left tackle for the Panthers.

Ekwonu (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old upgraded from DNPs on Wednesday and Thursday to a limited session Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup. If Ekwonu is inactive in the Week 16 contest, Yosh Nijman will likely get the nod at left tackle.

Ekwonu (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fourth-year pro from NC State appears to have sustained a knee injury in the Panthers' Week 15 loss to the Saints. Ekwonu now likely needs to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid an injury designation heading into the Week 16 matchup against the Buccaneers.

Ekwonu (appendectomy) is active for Sunday's Week 2 game against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Ekwonu had to miss Week 1 while continuing to recover from an appendectomy, but he's progressed enough to suit up against the Cardinals. He's slated to start at left tackle.

Ekwonu (appendectomy) is expected to be good to go for Carolina's matchup versus the Cardinals on Sunday, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekwonu was a limited participant in practice throughout the week as he continues to work his way back from the appendectomy he underwent last month but is now trending toward making his season debut. If he ends up being unable to play, however, Yosh Nijman would likely get the start at left tackle for the second straight week.