Ikem Ekwonu is poised for a major breakout in 2025. The fourth-year left tackle has franchise cornerstone recognition in his sights, but a cruel stroke of bad luck means the Carolina Panthers will be without one of their top-level performers in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Panthers were dealt a crushing blow when Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy after experiencing extreme discomfort. The surgery went according to plan, but it left the offensive tackle's status for Carolina's regular-season opener in severe doubt.
Dave Canales took extreme precaution with Ekwonu throughout the week.