Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a serious right knee injury in the first quarter of the team’s playoff game and did not return.

Ekwonu was injured during a pass-blocking rep when he was driven backward and his right knee buckled underneath him. He immediately went down on the field and required medical attention before being carted off to the locker room, ending his day.

Video analysis from Pro Football Doc raised significant concern for a potential patellar tendon rupture, an injury that typically requires surgical repair and carries a lengthy recovery timeline. If confirmed, surgery is expected and Ekwonu would face an extended rehabilitation period. The loss of the starting left tackle would be a major blow to the Carolina Panthers, both in the short term and potentially into the offseason.

Want to know who to bet?

👉 Try our proven winning ratings, projections and picks cashing at 74% on 3-Star Spreads this season.

For NFL Wild Card Round we have a GUARANTEED WINNING 3-STAR PICK - sign up, follow our picks and win.

New weekly SIC Picks subscriptions only.

SIGN UP NOW HERE

Our SIC Picks subscribers cashed in on another profitable NFL season.
65–51 on NFL pregame spreads (56%)
+25 units, a $100 bettor is up $2,500

To celebrate, we’re offering our lowest annual price of the year.
Save $100 on Annual SIC Picks
Just $1.10 per day
 Use code: PROFIT2500

Your subscription includes:

  • NFL Playoffs + 2026 NFL season

  • College Basketball, NBA & WNBA

  • Soccer World Cup coverage

  • 2026 College Football

This is the best value we offer all year - and it won’t last long.

SIGN UP NOW HERE

WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BET ON THE NFL? - USE SIC PICKS FOR PROVEN WINNING PICKS CASHING AT OVER 56.5% ON SPREADS OVER SIX YEARS!

SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!

SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!  

For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.

Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!