Panthers’ Adam Thielen, Ikem Ekwonu held out from practice again on Thursday

Both WR Adam Thielen and LT Ikem Ekwonu were held out for the second straight practice session.

The Carolina Panthers were still without two notable names on offense this afternoon.

Wide receiver Adam Thielen and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu were both held out of practice for the second straight outing. Thielen hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring in Week 3 while Ekwonu, who missed his first NFL game this past Sunday, is dealing with an ankle issue.

If Ekwonu cannot go, fourth-year offensive lineman Brady Christensen is expected to get the start on the blindside against the New York Giants this weekend.

Here’s the full injury report from Thursday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest/knee DNP Full
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP DNP
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring DNP DNP
DL DeShawn Williams Illness DNP Full
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP Full
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Limited
S Xavier Woods Rest/shoulder DNP Limited
CB Jaycee Horn Rest DNP Full
S Jammie Robinson Knee Limited Limited
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full Full
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full Full
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion Full Full
TE Tommy Tremble Back Full Limited
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full Full
CB Lonnie Johnson Quadriceps Full Limited
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders Wrist/ankle Limited

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Panthers hold out 9 players from Wednesday’s practice

Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu, who did not play in Week 9, was not a participant for Wednesday’s practice.

The Carolina Panthers listed nine players as non-participants from Wednesday’s practice.

Headlining the group, which included six players with “rest” designations, was left tackle Ikem Ekwonu—who missed the first game of his NFL career in Week 9 due to an ankle injury. Fourth-year lineman Brady Christensen, in turn, got the starting nod on the blindside and would be expected to fill in again if Ekwonu cannot play versus the New York Giants.

Here’s the full injury report from the afternoon:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest/knee DNP
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring DNP
DL DeShawn Williams Illness DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP
S Xavier Woods Rest/shoulder DNP
CB Jaycee Horn Rest DNP
S Jammie Robinson Knee Limited
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion Full
TE Tommy Tremble Back Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full
CB Lonnie Johnson Quadriceps Full

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Panthers Week 9 inactives: WR Xavier Legette active vs. Saints

The Panthers will have their first-round pick in today’s clash with the Saints.

There was little doubt, but the Carolina Panthers will indeed have their first-round wideout on the field this afternoon.

As expected, rookie receiver Xavier Legette is active for the team’s Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The 23-year-old was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report due to a toe issue.

Legette is tied for the team-lead in touchdown receptions (three) with Diontae Johnson, who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the week. The Panthers, in return, agreed to a late-round pick swap for the 2025 NFL draft.

Carolina will, however, be without left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. Ekwonu will miss the first game of his NFL career due to an ankle injury.

Here is the full list of inactives on the day for the Panthers:

  • CB Shemar Bartholomew
  • LT Ikem Ekwonu
  • TE Feleipe Franks
  • OLB DJ Johnson
  • S Jammie Robinson
  • TE Tommy Tremble

And for the visiting Saints:

  • LB Jaylan Ford
  • CB Marshon Lattimore
  • CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
  • CB Rico Payton
  • QB Spencer Rattler (Emergency QB)
  • DT John Ridgeway III
  • RB Jamaal Williams

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Panthers Week 9 injury report: LT Ikem Ekwonu, 2 others out vs. Saints

Panthers QB Bryce Young won’t have his starting LT on his blindside in Week 9.

The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young will be without their starting left tackle on Sunday.

Third-year offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu has been ruled out of the team’s Week 9 contest against the New Orleans Saints. Ekwonu was a non-participant in practice throughout the entire week due to an ankle injury.

Head coach Dave Canales told reporters that Brady Christensen will get the start at left tackle in place of Ekwonu. Cade Mays will, in turn, take over at center for Christensen.

Carolina has also ruled out tight end Feleipe Franks (concussion) and safety Jammie Robinson (knee).

Here’s the full injury report heading into the weekend:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Full
OLB DJ Johnson Ankle DNP Limited Limited Questionable
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full
S Jammie Robinson Knee DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Tommy Tremble Back DNP Limited Full Questionable
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited DNP Doubtful
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full Full Questionable
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full Full Full Doubtful
QB Andy Dalton Right thumb Full Full Full
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full Full Full Doubtful
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full Full Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full Full Full Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full
WR Xavier Legette Toe Limited Limited Questionable

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Panthers WR Xavier Legette pops up on Thursday’s injury report

Panthers WR Xavier Legette was added to the Week 9 injury report on Thursday.

Carolina Panthers wideout Xavier Legette may want to take it easy on ol’ Dolla Bill for the rest of the week.

The rookie receiver was added to the team’s Week 9 injury report with a toe issue. Legette, who scored his third NFL touchdown in this past Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, has been listed as a limited participant for Thursday’s practice session.

Fellow rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) remains on the report, but was down as a full participant for the second straight session. Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quad) was also a full participant once again.

In a bit of potentially concerning news, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu missed another outing due to an ankle injury.

Here’s the entire report from Thursday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP DNP
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion DNP DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Full
OLB DJ Johnson Ankle DNP Limited
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full
S Jammie Robinson Knee DNP DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Back DNP Limited
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full Full
QB Andy Dalton Right thumb Full Full
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full Full
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full Full
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
WR Xavier Legette Toe Limited

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Panthers list RB Jonathon Brooks as full participant for Wednesday’s practice

Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks is getting closer to his NFL debut.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton won’t be getting the start in Week 9, but he’s closer to getting back to full health.

The veteran passer, who missed this past Sunday’s 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos due to a sprained right thumb, was listed as a full participant for today’s practice. He will, however, give way once again to Bryce Young—who was announced as the Week 9 starter by head coach Dave Canales.

Canales had this to say about Dalton’s status:

“Andy is progressing. He was out there throwing. And I just really looked at all the things and for me, I just erred on the side of caution and wanted get Andy in the best possible situation to be able to make a decision going forward.”

Joining Dalton as a full participant was rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), who has yet to make his NFL debut. The Panthers now have one week to activate Brooks to the main roster.

Canales did not rule out Brooks from suiting up for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Here’s Wednesday’s injury report in its entirety:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle DNP
TE Feleipe Franks Concussion DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP
OLB DJ Johnson Ankle DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP
S Jammie Robinson Knee DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Back DNP
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full
QB Andy Dalton Right thumb Full
S Jordan Fuller Hamstring Full
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Full

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Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu becoming the franchise’s true blindside protector

Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu is growing into the blindside protector the franchise drafted in 2022.

Not since the days of Jordan Gross have the Carolina Panthers been secure at the left tackle position. Gross’ last NFL down came in 2013.

Since then, the blindside had become less of a security blanket and more of a patchwork one—with the likes of Byron Bell, Michael Oher, Matt Kalil and Cameron Erving coming and going. In all, the team started 16 different players at left tackle between 2014 and 2021.

But hope sprung eternal in the spring of 2022, when the Panthers selected Ikem Ekwonu with the sixth overall pick of that year’s draft. The Charlotte, N.C. native and North Carolina State University standout proceeded to get those hopes up even more, flashing throughout a rookie campaign where he allowed just three sacks in his final 15 games.

Unfortunately, though, Ekwonu’s sophomore season wasn’t as smooth. His footwork in pass protection was inconsistent and he struggled to counter inside rush moves—often leaning over into the rushers and compromising his base.

Fans then begin to question Ekwonu as a potential bust, and were uncertain of his future heading into 2024.

As the former All-American has come to show, patience is key to developing raw talent. This past offseason, the 23-year-old stated that his second year was a humbling one—admitting that he was “riding the coattails” of that phenomenal rookie campaign.

Now, he’s riding pretty high—stacking one good game after another, even in a non-contentious season by Carolina as a whole. He’s shown satisfactory development for a roster that should have one less worry amongst a list of many this upcoming offseason.

When Dave Canales was hired from Tampa Bay as the head coach, he brought offensive line coach Joe Gilbert with him. General manager Dan Morgan also went out and signed two quality starting interior lineman, including left guard Damien Lewis.

There’s no question that Gilbert and Lewis have been detrimental to Ekwonu’s progression this season.

Last year, communication was a big issue for Ekwonu and the rest of the offensive line—which might as well have featured a turnstile at both guard spots. Injuries and missteps left him on islands he wasn’t supposed to be on.

It’s a different story this season. Lewis has made Ekwonu’s job much easier and his growth more seamless. Continuity matters up front, and that is allowing him to reap the benefits.

Take a look at some of the following clips from Sunday’s loss in Washington.

Notice how much more patient Ekwonu is in his pass sets. His punches are accurate, timely, and consistent.

His first step–the kick step out of his stance–is quicker and more explosive, allowing him to get himself on top of speed rushers efficiently. He also displays good mirroring, flexibility and the ability to wash pass rushers out of the play. 

Ekwonu is beginning to utilize better finesse and combine that with the physical traits that made him a top-10 draft choice. On occasion, he will still have mental blunders, miss a punch, expose his chest to rushers and commit inexcusable penalties like false starts and holdings. Yet, it’s important to notice that these are happening less and less often, a sign that Ekwonu is growing.

The Panthers have not had a Pro Bowl or All-Pro left tackle since Gross. Should Ekwonu continue this level of play for the next several weeks—he would be more than deserving of not just a Pro Bowl invite, but a solidified spot in Carolina’s future.

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Panthers Week 6 injury report: 5 players ruled out vs. Falcons

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney may not be ready to go for Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons.

The anemic pass rush of the Carolina Panthers will probably be a whole lot weaker in Week 6.

After missing out on a third straight practice, starting outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has been ruled doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The three-time Pro Bowler has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Outside of Clowney, the Panthers are currently carrying four edge rushers on their active roster—Charles Harris, Thomas Incoom, Tarron Jackson and DJ Johnson. Carolina has also recently signed Marquis Haynes Sr. and former first-round pick Shaq Lawson to their practice squad.

The Panthers have ruled out five players for the contest—tight end Tommy Tremble, centers Austin Corbett and Andrew Raym, right tackle Taylor Moton and inside linebacker Josey Jewell. Moton is set to miss the first game of his eight-year NFL career.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
C Austin Corbett Biceps DNP DNP DNP Out
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP DNP Out
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP DNP DNP Out
C Andrew Raym Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle Limited DNP Limited Questionable
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Full Limited Full
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full Limited Limited Questionable
WR Xavier Legette Shoulder Full Full Full
TE Ian Thomas Calf Full Limited Limited Questionable

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Jadeveon Clowney among 7 Panthers held out of practice on Thursday

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney did not participate for a second straight practice.

Thursday’s injury report doesn’t seem to be all that encouraging for the Carolina Panthers. In fact, it appears to be a bit worse.

After holding out six players from Wednesday’s session, the team has listed seven non-participants from this afternoon. Joining the group, which already includes a few starters on defense, is defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson—who was limited with an ankle issue yesterday.

Perhaps the most concerning absence is that of outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who injured his shoulder in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Panthers are exceptionally thin off the edge and have amassed just six sacks over five games in 2024.

Here’s Thursday’s injury report in full:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
C Austin Corbett Biceps DNP DNP
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle Limited Limited
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP DNP
C Andrew Raym Concussion DNP DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion DNP DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle Limited DNP
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Full Limited
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full Limited
WR Xavier Legette Shoulder Full Full
TE Ian Thomas Calf Full Limited

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Panthers hold out handful of starters from Wednesday’s practice

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney was amongst the starters who did not participate in practice this afternoon.

The Carolina Panthers were a bit shorthanded to kick off Week 6.

Wednesday’s practice did not include a handful of the team’s starters. Tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion), right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow), outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) and inside linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin) were all listed as non-participants.

Also out, as expected, was center Austin Corbett—who tore his biceps in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. Corbett will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve.

Here is the full injury report from the afternoon:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
C Austin Corbett Biceps DNP
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle Limited
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP
C Andrew Raym Concussion DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle Limited
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Full
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full
WR Xavier Legette Shoulder Full
TE Ian Thomas Calf Full

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