2025 Fantasy Outlook
Ekwonu has started all 49 games he's appeared in since being selected by Carolina in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Now entering his fourth season, he's expected to remain the Panthers' top left tackle and continue protecting Bryce Young's blindside. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a four-year, $27.57 million contract with the Panthers in May of 2022. Panthers exercised $17.56 million team option for 2026 in April of 2025.
Doesn't practice Wednesday
Ekwonu (appendectomy) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy in late August. Head coach Dave Canales relayed Wednesday that Ekwonu is unlikely to play Sunday against the Jaguars unless the fourth-year offensive lineman has "a great day" during Friday's practice, per Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site. Yosh Nijman and Brady Christensen have seen first-team reps at left tackle and are the top candidates to start in Week 1 if Ekwonu is unable to play.
Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy in late August. Head coach Dave Canales relayed Wednesday that Ekwonu is unlikely to play Sunday against the Jaguars unless the fourth-year offensive lineman has "a great day" during Friday's practice, per Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site. Yosh Nijman and Brady Christensen have seen first-team reps at left tackle and are the top candidates to start in Week 1 if Ekwonu is unable to play.
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Measurables Review
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How do Ikem Ekwonu's measurables compare to other tackles?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 4"Weight
320 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.93 secShuttle Time
4.73 secCone Drill
7.82 secVertical Jump
29.0 inBroad Jump
108 inHand Length
10.25 inArm Length
34.00 in
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
2022
Ekwonu, a 2022 first-round pick out of NC State, has started all of the Panthers' 34 regular-season games since entering the league. The 23-year-old is expected to remain Carolina's top left tackle on a completely revamped offensive line in 2024.
More Fantasy News
Likely out for Week 1
Ekwonu (appendectomy) is expected to miss Sunday's regular-season opener against the Jaguars, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Considered day-to-day
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Monday that Ekwonu (appendectomy) is considered day-to-day, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Hopeful for Week 1
Coach Dave Canales said Thursday he's "super hopeful" Ekwonu (appendectomy) will be ready for the Panthers' Week 1 opener against the Jaguars on Sept. 7, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Status for Week 1 uncertain
Ekwonu is in jeopardy of missing Carolina's Week 1 matchup against Jacksonville after undergoing an emergency appendectomy this past Sunday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Gets commitment from Carolina
Ekwonu had his fifth-year option picked up by the Panthers on Thursday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Could get extension
Ekwonu and the Panthers discussed the parameters of a contract extension prior to the team picking up his fifth-year option for 2026, and those talks will likely resume at some point, Joe Person of the Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The left tackle will make $17.56 million on the fifth year of his rookie contract, and Ekwonu has already expressed his desire to remain in Carolina for the long term. "I want to be here. I want to be part of the glory days of Carolina," he said last week. "I feel like we're right there on the precipice of it."
The left tackle will make $17.56 million on the fifth year of his rookie contract, and Ekwonu has already expressed his desire to remain in Carolina for the long term. "I want to be here. I want to be part of the glory days of Carolina," he said last week. "I feel like we're right there on the precipice of it."