During the Carolina Panthers' disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card, they lost more than just the game. 

Starting offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu was also lost for not only the game but this offseason and potentially the 2026 season. He tore his patellar tendon in that loss, sidelining him for a while. 

As Ekwonu has been working to get back, he's not expected to be ready for training camp or even the start of the season. But that doesn't mean he won't play this season.

The Panthers are rolling through minicamp this week before a break ahead of training camp. And during Tuesday's media session, head coach Dave Canales discussed the injury and there's potential good news. 

As the No. 6 overall pick a few years back, the Panthers have high hopes for Ekwonu to be an anchor on the offensive line. This injury puts a dent into things. 

But Canales told the media that they do expect him back at some point in 2026.

"We expect him back at some point in the season," Canales said via Panthers Wire. "He's crushing it, week in and week out. He's excited about it. The athletic trainers are excited about his progress right now. They're just continuing to progress him with different types of movement—forward movement, a little bit of lateral movement and just continuing to see how they can push the envelope a little bit, but in a smart way.

"So, his spirits are high. As I check in with Ickey—almost daily and see him—he's got a big smile on his face, he knows the work in front of him and he's up for the challenge."

With the expectations that he would miss most of, if not all of the season, the Panthers made a few moves at the position. They signed Rasheed Walker to a deal and then drafted Monroe Freeling.

The Panthers put themselves in a spot to be fine until Ekwonu can return. But getting him back this season would be a huge boost for that offensive line.