The Carolina Panthers will start the regular season without left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy two weeks ago and practiced on a limited basis Friday, marking his first participation since the procedure.
Veteran Yosh Nijman is expected to fill in at left tackle. Nijman brings experience with 25 career starts, including three last season for Carolina. The rest of the offensive line remains unchanged, as guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis are both active despite being listed on the injury report earlier in the week.
Other Panthers players inactive for Sunday’s opener include wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Dalevon Campbell, tight end James Mitchell, and defensive tackle Cam Jackson. The team will go into the game with five active receivers: Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Hunter Renfrow, David Moore, and Brycen Tremayne.
For the Jaguars, inactives are defensive ends Danny Striggow and B.J. Green Jr., defensive tackle Maason Smith, offensive linemen Cole Van Lanen and Wyatt Milum, and cornerback Montaric Brown.
“Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is inactive for today’s regular-season opener.”
