The Carolina Panthers' offense has been one of the NFL's best two games into the regular season. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and quarterback Bryce Young have been a good pairing so far, but underlying issues at offensive tackle could derail the unit's continuity and efficiency.
Rasheed Walker and first-round pick Monroe Freeling have held down the left and right tackle slots, respectively, at the start of the season. However, early struggles have showcased how vulnerable the Panthers' offense has become, especially as the duo has played inconsistently.
That's all the more reason the Panthers are anxiously waiting for the return of veteran tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, both of whom could help ease concerns heading into a difficult schedule.
Carolina Panthers are anxiously awaiting the returns of Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton
In January, Carolina lost Ekwonu with a torn patellar tendon in the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Later this summer, it was revealed that Moton was diagnosed with blood clots but is expected to return this season.
Their presence on the field is needed now more than ever.
The Panthers' offensive line is a concern two games into the season, with Freeling and Walker as the focal points. Their pressure rates allowed are 7.5 percent and 11 percent, respectively, according to SumerSports. Young has had to speed up his processing at times, though it hasn't affected him detrimentally yet.
In the last few years together, Ekwonu and Moton have provided stability. The latter had the best season of his career in 2025, including a shutout performance against Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons. Moton also had a sound season as a reliable constant on the offensive line, and he's been a mainstay for years.
Ekwonu, in particular, has been one of the best run-blocking tackles in football over the last few years. Carolina has struggled to establish the run this season, averaging under 100 yards per game, and Walker has never been a reliable drive blocker on gap and zone concepts, whereas the North Carolina State product thrives.
Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton would provide more stability on Carolina Panthers' protection
When Moton and Ekwonu return to the gridiron remains unknown. Neither head coach Dave Canales nor general manager Dan Morgan has revealed a definitive timeline for their rehab and recovery process.
But the sooner it happens, the better.
When that happens, it'll be fascinating to see who starts and who doesn't at both tackle spots. Given the Panthers' optimism about Moton's recovery timeline, including blood thinners and the ramp-up to get back into football shape, he is expected to return sooner rather than later.
I've gone back and forth on this.
Freeling has done better than expected, and he should be starting at either tackle spot when Moton returns. When both are fully healthy, Ekwonu and Moton should be starting.
With their returns, the Panthers offense could take another step in the passing game and, especially, the run game.
For now, fans and the team brass wait anxiously for an update.
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