The Carolina Panthers are working left tackle Ikem Ekwonu back gradually from a torn patellar tendon. However, the latest update from Dave Canales represented the most positive sign yet.
And for the first time, Canales refused to completely rule out the formidable offensive lineman for their Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears.
Canales lauded the way Ekwonu has approached his recovery so far. He's not going to overcommit, and hasn't throughout this entire process, but when asked if he expects the former North Carolina State mauler to be unavailable for Carolina's regular-season opener, the head coach kept all options on the table.
Carolina Panthers' positive Ikem Ekwonu update will be music to fans' ears
Whether Ekwonu makes it back for Week 1 or not is moot. According to Canales, there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
"Again, every case is different. We just gotta take it with the information we have, consult our experts, consult the surgeons—all those things—get re-imaging, make sure we feel confident before putting him back out there. I don't know. I wouldn't say that, necessarily. But I do know he's progressing really well."
This is fantastic news for both Ekwonu and the Panthers. It'll still be a step-by-step process, and Carolina will not rush the No. 6 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. But in a contract year, the sooner he can get back, the better.
It'll completely change the dynamic of the offensive line, too.
Assuming first-round rookie Monroe Freeling stays at right tackle, free-agent signing Rasheed Walker might be the one to make way once Ekwonu gets fully up to speed. He was always brought in as a stopgap, but not getting at least a few games to cement his place in the lineup will be disappointing.
Ikem Ekwonu is on the right track, but there remain hurdles to overcome
But for the Panthers, the team's best interests are all that matter.
Obviously, Ekwonu isn't going to get the green light and immediately return to his old self. He's missed a lot of time, and taking contact will be a major unknown. But even if Week 1 is a stretch, everything is seemingly on course for the player to feature at some stage in 2026.
Ekwonu will be eager to make up for lost time as well.
He lost millions with such a cruel injury blow sustained against the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round. Ekwonu went from a potential contract extension to an uncertain future in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, he's made of stern stuff, and the willingness to fight back in the face of significant adversity couldn't have been more impressive.
It remains a wait-and-see scenario. Ekwonu is making positive steps, but there are still some big-time hurdles to overcome.
But based on how Ekwonu has approached his rehabilitation so far, he's more than capable of overcoming them before an emotional return.
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