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While the timeline on it is still unknown, at least to those outside of the organization, the return of Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu should happen during the 2026 campaign.
Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters following the team's first outing of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. He was asked about the progress of Ekwonu, who tore his patellar tendon in January's wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
"We expect him back at some point in the season," Canales replied. "He's crushing it, week in and week out. He's excited about it. The athletic trainers are excited about his progress right now. They're just continuing to progress him with different types of movement—forward movement, a little bit of lateral movement and just continuing to see how they can push the envelope a little bit, but in a smart way.
"So, his spirits are high. As I check in with Ickey—almost daily and see him—he's got a big smile on his face, he knows the work in front of him and he's up for the challenge."
Ekwonu, the sixth overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, put forth a solid showing this past year. He earned his second-highest overall offensive grade (70.8) and his highest pass-blocking grade (67.8) from Pro Football Focus in 2025.
As Ekwonu recovers, free-agent signee Rasheed Walker and 2026 first-round selection Monroe Freeling will battle it out for the starting spot on the blindside.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 minicamp: OT Ikem Ekwonu expected back in 2026
Continue reading...
Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters following the team's first outing of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. He was asked about the progress of Ekwonu, who tore his patellar tendon in January's wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
"We expect him back at some point in the season," Canales replied. "He's crushing it, week in and week out. He's excited about it. The athletic trainers are excited about his progress right now. They're just continuing to progress him with different types of movement—forward movement, a little bit of lateral movement and just continuing to see how they can push the envelope a little bit, but in a smart way.
"So, his spirits are high. As I check in with Ickey—almost daily and see him—he's got a big smile on his face, he knows the work in front of him and he's up for the challenge."
Ekwonu, the sixth overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, put forth a solid showing this past year. He earned his second-highest overall offensive grade (70.8) and his highest pass-blocking grade (67.8) from Pro Football Focus in 2025.
As Ekwonu recovers, free-agent signee Rasheed Walker and 2026 first-round selection Monroe Freeling will battle it out for the starting spot on the blindside.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 minicamp: OT Ikem Ekwonu expected back in 2026
Continue reading...
