What happened: Panthers GM Dan Morgan said there is "optimism" that left tackle Ikem Ekwonu plays this season as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon. Carolina placed Ekwonu and Tershawn Wharton on the physically-unable-to-perform list to open camp, while Bobby Brown III joins Jaycee Horn on the non-football injury list. Morgan credited the doctors and training staff for Ekwonu's progress.

Why it matters: Ekwonu started at left tackle before the injury, and his recovery timeline shapes how Carolina manages its offensive line entering 2026. The line is already thin to open camp with Taylor Moton also out, raising the stakes on Ekwonu's practice availability.

What to watch: Watch for updates on Ekwonu's practice participation as training camp progresses.