CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ikem Ekwonu faces a big end-of-week challenge.
As coach Dave Canales described during Wednesday’s post-practice news conference, the Carolina Panthers’ left tackle must have a “great day Friday.”
If Ekwonu experiences a “great” final practice before the team departs to face the host Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, he could be in the starting lineup.
If not, quarterback Bryce Young could open the NFL regular season with as many as three offensive line starters slowed by injuries. Ekwonu (appendectomy), right guard Robert Hunt (foot) and left guard Damien Lewis (shoulder) appeared on the Panthers’ initial injury report.
Ekwonu sat out Wednesday’s practice, while Hunt and Lewis were limited.
Carolina Panthers Seek Quick Start
With the Panthers entering Year 3 of the Young era, the franchise needs a quick start. Last season, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick was benched after a 0-2 start. In those losses, the Panthers were outscored 73-13.
When Young returned to the starting lineup in Week 8, he guided the Panthers to a 4-5 mark to end the season. After starting 1-7, the second-half’s offensive output created a sense of offseason optimism.
Can the Panthers carry it through Sunday’s opener?
Young threw an interception on the first play from scrimmage last season and the Panthers trailed the New Orleans Saints, 30-0, with 1:18 remaining in the first half. Young didn’t want to look back.
“Honestly, I’m not a big look in the rearview kind of guy,” Young said. “I’m excited for this year. I’m excited for this group this year and I feel great.”
Young may feel “great,” but three of his starting offensive linemen are battling injuries.
Hunt suffered a foot injury during Wednesday’s practice and did not finish the workout.
“We’ll evaluate him this evening, this afternoon, and have more information for you,” Canales said.
Since aggravating his shoulder during training camp, Lewis continues to work his way back. He was not seen wearing a red non-contact jersey during team practices this week.
Ikem Ekwonu Questionable for NFL Season Opener
Ekwonu could be the biggest question after enduring emergency appendectomy surgery Aug. 24. Canales said he anticipated the fourth-year starter to dress for the Jaguars. Still, after sitting out Wednesday’s practice, the Panthers’ training staff will be put on the spot. Ekwonu was scheduled to go through additional running drills Thursday.
On Friday, Canales remains eager to “see him get in a stance, move around, hit some bags and do some things to be able to make some decisions.”
Canales is experimenting with options.
If Ekwonu does not play, Canales will likely decide between reserves Yosh Nijman and Brady Christensen to start. Throughout training camp, Nijman and Christensen rotated repetitions at left and right tackle.
While Lewis and Hunt appear to be trending in the right direction, backups Chandler Zavala and Cade Mays could see additional rotational snaps versus the Jaguars.
“We’re just kind of going to take it one day at a time,” Canales said. “And it’s cool, you hope the competition is over and you just settle into your group. But here we are. Guys have another chance to compete for that spot.”
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