Ikem Ekwonu’s status has been shrouded in uncertainty ever since he underwent an emergency appendectomy, leaving Panthers fans guessing for weeks. But the latest official injury report has finally lifted a bit of that fog.

The starting left tackle, who’s missed significant time recovering, is now listed as questionable for Week 2. And if he suits up, it will mark his first game action of the 2025 season. Every snap he takes could be pivotal. His return is arguably one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the matchup.

Let’s take you back for a minute. Ekwonu had an emergency appendectomy in late August, and since then, his status has been carefully monitored. Head coach Dave Canales has repeatedly described him as “day-to-day,” while team doctors recommended surgery after Ekwonu complained of stomach pain.

But here we are. Ekwonu himself has been optimistic, telling the team he’s feeling better each day and “stacking up good days,” and now we might finally see him in action this week.

And Bryce Young might be the happiest football player in the world. Ikem Ekwonu’s return is huge for Young. And it’s more than just comfort. It means more time in the pocket, cleaner five-man protection, and fewer makeshift fixes like chip blocks or extra tight-end help that limit route concepts and play-action. Simply put, it gives Young the tools to play his game the way he wants.

We’ve already seen how much protection — or the lack of it — can impact Bryce Young. In Week 1, he went 18-of-35 for 154 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs in a loss. A sour reminder that constant pressure and tight windows can still lead to turnovers for a young quarterback like Bryce Young. And it’s likely that Ekwonu’s addition would pump those numbers up.

But while Ikem Ekwonu looks likely to suit up this week, the Panthers’ injury pileup is huge.

Panthers’ excruciatingly long injury report

Yeah, Ekwonu’s arrival seems like a breath of fresh air in what feels like an injury curse. The most notable name on the report is obviously Hunter Renfrow. He fully participated in just one session on Friday. The veteran slot/possession receiver, added by the Panthers in the offseason, brings savvy route-running and a reliable chain-moving presence. Jimmy Horn Jr. will have to step up big time.

Then there’s also Robert Hunt. He popped up on the injury report earlier in the week with a foot issue, but he wrapped up the week with full participation. Hunt was a big offseason investment for the Panthers — they locked him into a five-year deal to anchor the interior. He looks set to suit up this week.

And of course, Tershawn Wharton. The Panthers brought in the defensive end from the Chiefs this offseason to help fix their league-worst run defense and boost the pass rush.

But after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 26-10 loss to the Jaguars, the former undrafted Missouri S&T standout will be sidelined for two to four weeks, leaving Carolina’s defensive front even thinner than expected. It will be seen if he participates in next week’s training, although that is a very unlikely affair.

Other names like Damien Lewis and A’Shawn Robinson fully participated throughout the week and will most likely step onto the field this week.