Carolina announced today that backup running back Jonathon Brooks is headed to injured reserve, with surgery scheduled for Wednesday to repair a core muscle injury. This is no mere bump in the road; Brooks is expected to miss at least six weeks recovering from the procedure, though the team anticipates he’ll be back later this season.
Six Weeks On The Sidelines, But It Feels Longer
Panthers head coach Dave Canales revealed Monday that Brooks picked up a groin injury late in Carolina’s 34-3 blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. At the time, they were awaiting MRI results, but now we know the grim truth: surgery and IR. This is tough for any player, but for Brooks? This is another chapter in a really rough book. Since joining the league as a second-round pick in 2024, his playing time has been decimated by injuries. He’s only seen action in five of a potential 36 games. He tore his ACL during his final season at Texas. Then, in his rookie year with the Panthers, he tore it again, forcing him to miss the rest of 2024 and all of 2025. It’s a brutal streak of bad luck, and now this core muscle injury adds to the mountain of challenges he’s faced.
Ekeler Set To Step In, But Can He Deliver?
With Brooks now sidelined for at least six weeks, Carolina’s backfield depth is getting a serious shakeup. Chuba Hubbard, in the middle of a significant four-year, $33.2 million extension, holds down the starting job. A.J. Dillon is third on the depth chart. But the Panthers aren’t going to stand pat. ESPN reports they expect to bring veteran free agent Austin Ekeler onboard to fill the void. Ekeler last suited up for the Washington Commanders in 2025. Before that, he was a force. From 2021 through 2023, as the Rams’ starting back, he averaged an impressive 818 rushing yards per season, plus 601.7 receiving yards in the air. He piled up 44 total touchdowns in that span, which is incredible production. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Ekeler, now 31, only played two games in 2025, rushing for 43 yards on 14 attempts, before a torn Achilles tendon cut his season short. Can he still be that dynamic playmaker after such a severe injury and his age? That’s the question.
The Panthers are set to face Cleveland on Sunday, and this backfield shuffle is going to be front and center. Promoting safety Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad to take Brooks’ roster spot shows they’re already moving pieces around. All eyes will be on Hubbard to carry the load, and if Ekeler steps in, how quickly he can contribute. This team needs a reliable running game, especially with Brooks facing yet another long recovery road. It’s a huge moment for their season, and we’ll be watching to see how they adapt.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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