Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks Set for Surgery, Placed on Injured Reserve

Jonathon Brooks is expected to undergo surgery Wednesday for a core muscle injury and will miss at least six weeks of the NFL season.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a core muscle injury, according to sources told by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The team placed the second-round pick on injured reserve Wednesday, sidelining him for at least six weeks. Brooks exited Sunday’s victory against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter, limping to the locker room with what was initially described as a groin ailment.

Through two games this season, Brooks recorded 30 rushing yards on nine attempts and 43 receiving yards on two receptions. The injury follows a lengthy recovery period for the Texas product, who missed the 2025 season due to his second right ACL tear in two years. Because Carolina has a Week 5 bye, the six-week timeline could result in Brooks missing only five games.

In response to the vacancy, league sources told ESPN that the Panthers are working out veteran running back Austin Ekeler. The team will continue to rely on Chuba Hubbard, who has totaled 102 rushing yards and three total touchdowns this season. AJ Dillon remains the primary change-of-pace option, while Ahmani Marshall and Anthony Tyus III occupy spots on the practice squad.