Ikem Ekwonu is slated to return at left tackle for Carolina in Week 2 on the road vs. Arizona after an appendectomy sidelined him. His presence should stabilize Bryce Young’s protection, correcting Week 1’s rough showing when Yosh Nijman struggled and the quarterback was pressured into three turnovers. Ekwonu’s return also reshapes the Panthers’ line dynamics and adds heft to an offense that needs cleaner pockets.

Ekwonu’s long-term status hinges on his 2025-26 arc, as Carolina picked up his fifth-year option with a cap hit over $17.5 million. He’ll battle Cardinals newcomer Josh Sweat in a pivotal matchup, testing the Panthers’ ability to protect and unlock the passing game. Nijman and Christensen remain in the mix, but Ekwonu’s health is the linchpin for Week 2 and beyond.

Ikem Ekwonu's emergency appendectomy leaves Week 1 against Jacksonville in flux. If he can't go, Yosh Nijman would step in at left tackle, bringing 25 career starts and 3 in 2024 to Carolina's front. Ekwonu remains day-to-day, with healing timelines varying by individual.

Nijman’s presence could shape the Panthers’ protection and run game, while Adam Thielen’s target share could rise if protection tightens and the offense needs reliable quick-hit options. Carolina aims to preserve blocking chemistry for the Jaguars test.

Historically, Week 1 opens against Jacksonville carry significance for the franchise, with the 2003 and 2015 openers standing out as precursors to a Super Bowl run in those seasons.

Carolina’s 20-3 loss to Houston in the preseason exposed both bright spots and rough edges for the Panthers, but for fantasy managers the standout moments were clear. Brycen Tremayne led the offense with 46 receiving yards on three catches, averaging 15.3 yards per grab and hauling a 23-yard score-like hook in the third; Jarrett Kingston handled all 32 snaps at center with zero pressures and earned game-high reliability; Yosh Nijman allowed zero pressures across his 32 snaps at right tackle and extra work at left tackle, while Brady Christensen provided steady value on the left edge. Emani Bailey delivered a 66.3 grade on a complementary backfield role. On the quarterback side, Andy Dalton left with an elbow issue after two completions on four attempts for 22 yards, while Jack Plummer finished 10 of 14 for 83 yards with two interceptions, and Ja'Tavion Sanders dropped a third-down ball that stalled Carolina’s opening drive.

Defensively, Jon Rhattigan scored a 90.0, pacing three pressures and an 83.5 coverage grade; Trevin Wallace (83.7 coverage), Bam Martin-Scott (79.5), J.J. Weaver (72.3), and Lathan Ransom (71.0) also flashed in coverage and pressure. The defense showed a few notable stops, but the unit also surrendered a handful of plays that will need cleaner technique and better situational awareness in August. The worst marks belonged to S Jack Henderson (47.9), Boogie Basham (47.9), Shy Tuttle (47.4), Thomas Incoom (44.1), and A’Shawn Robinson (29.5) overall, with Basham/Incoom delivering five combined pressures but Robinson’s coverage grade dragging the unit.

Bottom line: Tremayne, Kingston, Nijman, Christensen and Bailey surfaced as likely roster fixtures or practice-squad type contributors, while Dalton’s health and the QB room’s continuity will be closely watched into Week 1 prep. On defense, Rhattigan and Wallace offered playmaking upside, but the trenches and secondary showed a mix of solid fundamentals and needed improvements as Carolina builds toward the regular season.

The Carolina Panthers have begun the process of trimming their roster to create cap space ahead of free agency. Veteran cornerback Dane Jackson has been released, yielding over $3 million in cap relief, signaling that more cuts are expected. Among the prime candidates is running back Miles Sanders, whose performance has dipped following a Pro Bowl season with the Eagles. Releasing him could free up over $5 million. The Panthers are also considering cuts for defensive linemen Shy Tuttle and A'Shawn Robinson, both of whom could offer significant cap savings. However, cutting established players like Jadeveon Clowney or Adam Thielen seems less likely due to the impact they have on the team’s performance.

The Carolina Panthers are facing significant challenges as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Bryce Young will be without key wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen, both sidelined due to injuries.

With the Panthers struggling at 1-6, they are expected to rely heavily on their run game, led by Chuba Hubbard. Additionally, quarterback Andy Dalton is doubtful after a thumb injury, leaving Jack Plummer as a potential backup.