Overview
- Ekwonu injured his right knee in the first quarter of the 34-31 wild-card loss to the Rams, was carted off, and did not return.
- Head coach Dave Canales called the injury significant after MRI confirmation of a patellar tendon rupture that will require surgery.
- Typical recovery ranges from six to 12 months, raising the possibility he misses offseason work and potentially part or all of the 2026 season.
- Carolina previously exercised his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2026 at about $17.56 million guaranteed, with any extension talks likely affected.
- Yosh Nijman finished at left tackle, and with several Panthers linemen headed for free agency, the team faces consequential draft and roster decisions.