Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters on Wednesday that starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu underwent an emergency appendectomy on Sunday night, leaving his status for the team's Week 1 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars uncertain. Ekwonu, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft , underwent surgery at the recommendation of Carolina's medical staff after coming to the team facility complaining of stomach pain over the weekend.

While the possibility of Ekwonu being ready for the Sept. 7 opener was not dismissed, Canales intimated that his availability could be uncertain all the way up until game time, citing varying outcomes in regards to how players typically return from similar procedures.

"He had appendicitis. He wasn't feeling good, and then ultimately went

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