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.

Panthers at Cardinals in Week 2 centers on containing Kyler Murray’s improv magic and slowing Budda Baker’s impact. Bryce Young will lean on Tetairoa McMillan as a rising Week 2 target after a solid opener, while Carolina tries to ride improved talent to a road win. A December shootout between these teams weighs on both sides: the key is discipline against Baker and converting long drives for Young.

Baker’s veteran versatility remains the anchor for Arizona’s defense, and Murray’s mobility keeps Carolina unsettled. For fantasy managers, Baker provides a stabilizing floor against a rookie, McMillan offers a cheap mid-round ceiling, and Murray’s volatility makes Cardinals’ pass-game options intriguing but risky.

Trey Benson looks primed for Week 2 as the Arizona Cardinals host the Carolina Panthers. After outgaining starter James Conner on eight carries for 68 yards and playing 33% of snaps in Week 1, Benson’s role is trending upward in a backfield that could lean on explosive runs. The Panthers’ run defense allowed 143 rushing yards to Travis Etienne last week, signaling a favorable matchup for a two-back Arizona attack with Benson providing big-play upside. Startable in standard formats, Benson carries RB2 potential with weekly ceiling in a favorable script.

Expect Benson to contribute again alongside Conner, with a game plan that could tilt toward the ground game if Carolina can’t stack the box. Conner remains a reliable floor, but Benson’s burst adds a weekly upside that could swing lineups in Week 2. In deeper formats or DFS, Benson is a strong leverage option given the matchup and Arizona’s early momentum.