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.