#1 out of 5
sports1d ago
Jimmy Graham to Panthers’ Ikem Ekwonu: You’ll work harder than you’ve ever worked
- Graham warns that Ikem Ekwonu will have to work harder than ever to recover from his knee injury.
- Ekwonu ruptured his right patellar tendon in the wild-card loss to the Rams and faces a long rehab.
- David Chao predicts Ekwonu may miss the start of next season and not be back to full strength until 2027.
- The Panthers exercised Ekwonu’s fifth-year option, guaranteeing $17.6 million for 2026.
- Graham shares his own recovery path, including stem cell treatments and intense rehab.
- Graham emphasizes maintaining fitness during rehab to avoid further injuries.
- The piece notes Ekwonu’s extension talks had begun before the injury and the timing could affect negotiations.
- Panthers officials express concern about contract timing amid the injury’s impact on plans.
- Graham compares Ekwonu’s potential timeline to Chiefs’ OT Josh Simmons who returned after a patellar rupture.
- Graham’s post-injury journey included a five-time Pro Bowl career and ongoing pain management.
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