The Carolina Panthers have been hit with another tough injury blow, and unfortunately, it involves running back Jonathon Brooks once again.
The Panthers announced that Brooks has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to undergo surgery to repair a core muscle injury. The injury will sideline Brooks for at least six weeks, although the team remains hopeful that he can return later this season.
Brooks suffered the injury late in Carolina’s dominant 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Initially believed to be a groin issue, further testing revealed a core muscle injury severe enough to require surgery. Head coach Dave Canales said the team was awaiting MRI results earlier in the week before deciding on the procedure.
It is another frustrating chapter for the talented young running back.
Since being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Brooks has battled multiple injuries. He tore his ACL during his final season at Texas, suffered another tear of the same ACL during his rookie season in Carolina, and missed the entire 2025 season while recovering.
The Panthers had hoped Brooks could become a major part of the offense this year behind starter Chuba Hubbard. Through two games, Brooks rushed nine times for 30 yards and caught two passes for 43 yards while beginning to earn a larger role in the offense.
With Brooks sidelined, Carolina will lean more heavily on Hubbard and veteran AJ Dillon. The Panthers have also explored outside options, including bringing in veteran running back Austin Ekeler for a workout.
For Brooks, the goal now becomes another recovery and another comeback attempt.
The Panthers still believe in the 23-year-old running back, but after years of setbacks, everyone in Carolina is hoping this latest injury will only be a temporary pause in what they still believe can be a promising career.
