CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers will have to try to slow down the Rams’ pass rush for the rest of their playoff opener on Saturday without arguably their top offensive lineman.

Carolina’s starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu has been ruled out of the team’s wild-card matchup against Los Angeles at Bank of America Stadium after he suffered a knee injury early in the first quarter.

Ekwonu — the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft — was attempting to block Rams linebacker Josaiah Stewart in pass protection when his left leg appeared to give out.

The 25-year-old, who was flagged for holding on the play, immediately crumpled to the turf in pain. Trainers raced out to tend to him, and he needed assistance to get off the field.

He was eventually carted to the locker room, and deemed out for the rest of the contest just minutes later.

Ekwonu has since been replaced by Yosh Nijman, who came to the Panthers in 2024 after four seasons with the Packers.

Ekwonu started 15 games for the Panthers this season and has manned a spot on the team’s OL in 64 overall contests.
Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers smiles at Ikem Ekwonu prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to Pro Football Focus, Ekwonu gave up five total sacks in 2025-26 and graded out as the 37th-best tackle in the NFL’s regular season.

On top of the Ekwonu injury, guard Robert Hunt was suffered a pectoral injury and was ruled questionable to return.

The Rams, too, have an injury worth monitoring — cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has been deemed questionable to return to the contest with a shoulder ailment.