Four takeaways from Friday, including Ikem Ekwonu decision, and linebacker change

Dec 19, 2025 at 01:18 PM

by Darin Gantt & Kassidy Hill

CHARLOTTE — Panthers head coach Dave Canales said they'd likely make the decision on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu right up until Sunday.

Ekwonu is listed as questionable on the final injury report with a knee issue, but practiced on a limited basis Friday for the first time this week.

"Ickey was able to do more, so that was encouraging," Canales said. "And we're going to have to just keep evaluating him today and tomorrow. So he really truly is in that day-to-day type of thing where we have to make sure that he's confident, being able to execute all the things he has to at tackle spot, in the run game on the backside, you know, setting his passes and doing those things.

"So, we'll keep working on Ickey to see if we can get out there."

If he can't go, they'd likely turn to veteran backup Yosh Nijman, who started the opener when Ekwonu was out following his preseason appendectomy, and has also started a couple of games at right tackle for Taylor Moton.

Nijman has 28 career starts, including those three this year. If Nijman has to start, it would mark the 11th combination of starters in 15 games.

Change at linebacker coming this week

With Trevin Wallace (shoulder) ruled out, Canales said they'd start Claudin Cherelus at linebacker next to Christian Rozeboom.

Cherelus started against the Falcons and 49ers earlier this year when Wallace was out with a shoulder injury, and Canales said Wallace aggravated that problem last week against the Saints.

"Coming out of the game, just talking to him and trying to reevaluate him each day to see if we can get him to do a little bit more," Canales said. "And we weren't able to get him to a point where we felt confident about putting him back out there right now."

The Carolina Panthers prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

No game designation for TMac as he powers through long season

The NFL season is long, especially for a rookie. And when it comes to Tetairoa McMillan, he has been used more than most. Canales pointed to that production as one of the reasons the receiver likely has been banged up here and there, such as this week, but complimented his ability to push through.

"He had a great practice yesterday, came out, put another one together today. At this point in the season, it gets really long, and we've used him a lot, and we've really counted on him," Canales said of their rookie receiver. "He's done an excellent job of being responsible with the roles that we've asked him of."

With it being Week 16 and that production building up, McMillan's presence on the injury report this week was more precautionary and rest-based than anything, as he nursed an ankle. He was able to practice on Thursday and Friday.

"He looks great," Canales said. "He's gotten a lot of mileage, so at this point of the year, you start to look at those guys and if you can give somebody, put a little bit more in the tank and get him back out there—it worked out well for us, and he put two great days together."

Bobby Brown stepping in well

After a hamstring issue popped up on Tershawn Wharton the day before the Saints game, the Panthers turned to Bobby Brown III to fill his role in Week 15. Brown finished with six tackles and 0.5 sacks.

Wharton is out again this week against the Buccaneers, so Carolina will ask Brown to step in once more. His performance against New Orleans, though, gives Canales and staff full confidence in what he can do once on the field.

The Carolina Panthers practice on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 at Bank Of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

"Bobby was disruptive last week," Canales bragged of the defensive tackle. "He was getting off the blocks really well, playing with his hands and playing big and athletic like he is, and was really fortunate to have him be able to step into that role."

So far this season, Brown has 24 tackles and 0.5 sacks.