Panthers HC Dave Canales gives encouraging update on LT Ikem Ekwonu

Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and Chicago Bears left tackle Ozzy Trapilo sustained the same type of injury at the same time of the year. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they're on the same road to recovery. On Sunday, the Bears activated Trapilo from the physically unable to perform list—seven months after he ruptured a patellar tendon in this past January's wild-card round. The 24-year-old is now eligible to practice at training camp, which is obviously an encouraging sign for his 2026 campaign. Ekwonu, like Trapilo, ruptured a patellar tendon in his team's wild-card round game in January. And while he's still shelved, the former first-round pick—per head coach Dave Canales—seems to be getting closer to a return. "Ickey's doing great," Canales told reporters after Monday's practice. "He had another great day on the field. He's going in right now to get his lift in. He's progressing really well. "Again, every case is different. We just gotta take it with the information we have, consult our experts, consult the surgeons—all those things—get re-imaging, make sure we feel confident before putting him back out there." Canales was then asked if Ekwonu has already been ruled out for Carolina's regular-season opener. "I don't know," he replied. "I wouldn't say that, necessarily. But I do know he's progressing really well." For now, the blindside is being manned by Rasheed Walker—who joined the Panthers on a one-year deal this offseason. Walker started 48 games at left tackle for the Green Bay Packers between 2023 and 2025. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales gives encouraging update on LT Ikem Ekwonu