NFL news: Panthers’ Ikem Ekwonu may miss season-opener after emergency surgery
Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu may not be ready for the team’s season-opening game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after undergoing emergency appendectomy surgery last week.
Ekwonu, 24, was rushed to the team facility last weekend due to severe stomach pain. Following an evaluation by the Panthers’ medical staff, emergency surgery was deemed necessary.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales addressed the situation last Wednesday, stating that Ekwonu’s status remains uncertain leading up to the game.
Ekwonu was unable to participate in Monday’s practice session, as reported by the team’s website.
The Panthers selected Ekwonu as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the North Carolina State alum has shown durability in his first three seasons in the league. Ekwonu started all 17 games in each of his first two seasons and 15 out of 17 games last season.
Recovery timelines for appendix procedures vary among athletes. In the past, players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and David Bakhtiari have returned to the field after a short recovery period.
If Ekwonu is unable to play against the Jaguars, Yosh Nijman is expected to step in as his replacement. Nijman, now in his sixth NFL season, previously played for the Green Bay Packers before joining the Panthers.
The Panthers are scheduled to face the Jaguars on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. ET. Stay tuned for further updates on Ekwonu’s status.
