Ikem Ekwonu’s status for the Carolina Panthers’ season opener remains uncertain following an emergency appendectomy. Head coach Dave Canales informed reporters on Wednesday that Ekwonu underwent surgery on Sunday after experiencing stomach pain at the team facility. The team’s medical staff recommended immediate surgery after evaluation.
Canales described Ekwonu as “day-to-day, all the way up until the game.” The Panthers are scheduled to play their first regular season game in Jacksonville on September 7.
Recovery times from appendix surgeries can vary among players. For example, then-Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick returned eight days after his procedure in 2022, while Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari missed three games following a similar surgery that same year.
If Ekwonu is unable to play, veteran backup Yosh Nijman is expected to start in his place. Nijman has made 25 career starts and filled in for Taylor Moton last year with three starts at right tackle.
The Panthers have emphasized building depth along their offensive line, which may be tested early depending on Ekwonu’s recovery progress.
