Panthers' Ikem Ekwonu out for rest of playoff game after knee injury

Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a knee injury early in the first quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the wild-card game; Yosh Nijman replaced him.

Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a knee injury early in the first quarter of Carolina's wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium. He was taken to the locker room and the team announced he would not return for the remainder of the game. Ekwonu is the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and started 15 games this season for Carolina. Key details: - Ikem Ekwonu suffered a knee injury early in the first quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the wild-card game. - He was taken to the locker room and did not return to the contest. - Yosh Nijman replaced Ekwonu at left tackle. - The Rams' cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was listed as questionable to return with a shoulder issue. Summary: Ekwonu's removal leaves the Panthers without their starting left tackle for the rest of the playoff opener. Undetermined at this time.