Panthers’ Ikem Ekwonu suffers ruptured patellar tendon in playoff setback

Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in the playoff loss to the Rams, will require surgery and could miss time into the offseason, prompting a shift in the team’s plans. With Nijman starting at left tackle, coach Dave Canales called the injury significant as Carolina reassesses its offensive-line roster, training-camp timeline, and free-agent/draft strategy.