09-23-2026, 12:44 PM -
— Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks will undergo core muscle surgery Thursday, which will sideline him for at least six weeks, according to a league source speaking on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the procedure. The team placed him on injured reserve Wednesday.
What it means for Brooks
Panthers coach Dave Canales said Brooks aggravated a groin injury he sustained late in training camp. He has nine carries for 30 yards this season, along with a 48-yard catch on an off-platform throw from Bryce Young in Week 1. While his surgery is not considered season-ending, this latest injury raises more questions about Brooks’ durability and GM Dan Morgan’s decision to draft him.
What it means for the Panthers
Carolina’s running back depth was already thin after Trevor Etienne was placed on IR (with a designation to return) with an ankle injury at roster cutdowns. Etienne is eligible to return after the team’s Week 5 bye. The only other healthy back behind Chuba Hubbard on the 53-man roster is A.J. Dillon, who is more of a power runner than a dual-threat back like Brooks or Etienne. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler is working out for the Panthers on Wednesday, according to a league source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The 31-year-old Ekeler played in two games for the Washington Commanders last year before tearing his Achilles.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7622878...ry-update/
Hate it for Brooks who seemed to work so hard to try to get back on the field.
Dan learning a painful lesson. Now...go find some undrafted gem on a practice squad.
What it means for Brooks
Panthers coach Dave Canales said Brooks aggravated a groin injury he sustained late in training camp. He has nine carries for 30 yards this season, along with a 48-yard catch on an off-platform throw from Bryce Young in Week 1. While his surgery is not considered season-ending, this latest injury raises more questions about Brooks’ durability and GM Dan Morgan’s decision to draft him.
What it means for the Panthers
Carolina’s running back depth was already thin after Trevor Etienne was placed on IR (with a designation to return) with an ankle injury at roster cutdowns. Etienne is eligible to return after the team’s Week 5 bye. The only other healthy back behind Chuba Hubbard on the 53-man roster is A.J. Dillon, who is more of a power runner than a dual-threat back like Brooks or Etienne. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler is working out for the Panthers on Wednesday, according to a league source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The 31-year-old Ekeler played in two games for the Washington Commanders last year before tearing his Achilles.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7622878...ry-update/
Hate it for Brooks who seemed to work so hard to try to get back on the field.
Dan learning a painful lesson. Now...go find some undrafted gem on a practice squad.