Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu suffered ‘significant’ knee injury vs. Rams

The Carolina Panthers’ season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams may have carried consequences that extend well beyond the final score. During Saturday’s 34-31 wild-card defeat, Carolina lost one of its most important foundational pieces when left tackle Ikem Ekwonu exited early with a knee injury that immediately raised alarm inside the organization.

After the game, head coach Dave Canales confirmed those fears. As ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on social media, suggesting Carolina could be facing a lengthy recovery timeline for one of their core offensive linemen.

“Panthers HC Dave Canales told reporters that LT Ikem Ekwonu suffered a ‘significant’ knee injury during Saturday’s loss to the Rams.” Schefter posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Ekwonu, the Panthers’ starting left tackle and former first-round pick, went down on Carolina’s second offensive possession. He was injured on a second-down sack, an unassuming play that quickly turned ominous. While Ekwonu was initially able to walk off the field gingerly, the broadcast later showed him being transported to the locker room on a cart for further evaluation. The Panthers ruled him out shortly thereafter, signaling concern about the severity of the injury.

Ikem Ekwonu was carted to the locker room pic.twitter.com/KM2yAlgFFn

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 10, 2026

Ekwonu had been a stabilizing presence up front, starting 15 games this season and serving as the blindside protector for the Panthers’ offense. His absence forced Carolina to shuffle its line on the fly, with Yosh Nijman stepping in at left tackle for the remainder of the game.

While the Panthers continued to compete in what became one of the most chaotic games of Wild Card Weekend, the loss of Ekwonu was also marked as the turning point.

The injury also adds another layer of uncertainty as Carolina enters a critical offseason. Offensive line continuity has been a priority, and Ekwonu’s health will now loom large over offseason planning, roster decisions, and potential draft strategy.

For now, the focus shifts to medical evaluations and recovery. The Panthers will hope for clarity and optimism in the coming weeks, knowing that Ekwonu’s long-term availability could shape the trajectory of the franchise heading into next season.

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