Will Carolina Panthers Get Key Player Back From Injury Sooner Than Later?

The Carolina Panthers are on a short week as they have to go to Green Bay to face off against the Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. The Panthers are coming off a tough loss over the weekend at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After two-straight wins, the Panthers lost to Tampa Bay and are now hoping to get things going again in Week 8. With a 3-3 record, the Panthers have a half game lead in the NFC South.  The Panthers lead is now down to half game but they do have the tiebreaker on the Atlanta Falcons as of this week. 

As the Panthers are looking to get back on track, they are battling some tough injuries to their roster. But there could be some reinforcements on the way. 

On Monday, head coach Dave Canales spoke on a few different injuries that the Panthers have. Among them? Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who has missed all of the offseason and this regular season due to a torn patellar tendon in the Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams last year. Ekwonu hasn't been on the field yet, and there's a chance he could play this season.

Canales told reporters that every week there are good milestones and progress in terms of his recovery. He went on to say that Ekwonu is trending in the right direction, and the next steps are to do some individual drills.

That's certainly good news, especially since right tackle Taylor Moton is set to have surgery on his ankle after suffering that injury last week. Moton is likely out for the rest of the season, as Carolina will now turn to rookie Monroe Freeling to replace him. The rookie started the first few games, opposite free-agent signing Rasheed Walker.

However, the Panthers are going to need some stability on the offensive line. With an offense that has shown flashes early this season, being consistent and protecting quarterback Bryce Young is the biggest key to success for them this season. 

It does feel like Ekwonu is still a while away from returning but as the season goes on, he's getting closer and closer. He could join them late in the season for a potential postseason run and add a boost to that offensive line. 

The Panthers and Packers will kick off at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday with the game being broadcast on Amazon Prime.