Jonathon Brooks has suffered another setback in his comeback with the Carolina Panthers, with the running back set to undergo surgery for a core muscle injury and move to injured reserve.
The Panthers are expecting Jonathon Brooks to miss at least six weeks after the injury occurred during Carolina’s Week 2 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. With Brooks unavailable again, Carolina is exploring veteran help and has reportedly brought Austin Ekeler in for a workout.
The latest development is another difficult chapter for Brooks, who has already endured multiple major injuries since entering the NFL.
Jonathon Brooks Heads to Injured Reserve
The Panthers have officially placed Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve after the running back suffered a core muscle injury. He is expected to undergo surgery and miss at least six weeks.
Brooks initially dealt with a groin issue before the season, but he was able to return to the lineup and play against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. He also appeared against Atlanta in Week 2 before leaving the game in the fourth quarter.
Through his first two games of the 2026 season, Brooks recorded 30 rushing yards on nine carries and added 43 receiving yards on two receptions.
His return was particularly significant because he had missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from another serious injury.
Brooks Has Faced a Difficult NFL Comeback
The latest injury continues a challenging start to Jonathon Brooks’ NFL career.
Carolina selected Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft after his final college season at Texas was cut short by a right ACL injury. He spent much of his rookie season recovering before returning for three games.
Brooks then suffered another tear of the same ACL in December 2024, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
The 2026 offseason represented an important step in his recovery. Brooks was finally able to participate in training camp and preseason activities without spending the summer recovering from an ACL injury.
However, his comeback has now been interrupted again after just two regular-season appearances.
Panthers Turn to Chuba Hubbard
With Brooks heading to injured reserve, Chuba Hubbard is expected to receive a larger role in Carolina’s backfield.
Hubbard entered the season as the Panthers’ veteran starting running back and has already produced 102 rushing yards and a touchdown. He has also contributed five receptions for 49 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
AJ Dillon is another option for Carolina and could see additional opportunities while Brooks is sidelined.
The Panthers also have younger running backs available, including Anthony Tyus III and Ahmani Marshall, but the team’s decision to explore the veteran market indicates that Carolina could want additional experience in its backfield.
Austin Ekeler Works Out for Panthers
That search has led Carolina to Austin Ekeler.
The veteran running back is reportedly scheduled to work out for the Panthers following Brooks’ injury. Ekeler spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Washington Commanders.
During his NFL career, Ekeler has established himself as a versatile back who can contribute both as a runner and receiver. That experience could make him an interesting option for a Panthers team dealing with another sudden change at running back.
However, a workout does not mean Ekeler has been signed. Carolina will first evaluate his physical condition and determine whether he can contribute to the offense.
Ekeler also has his own recent injury history. He missed most of the 2025 season after suffering an Achilles injury while with Washington, making his current physical condition an important part of the Panthers’ evaluation.
Why Austin Ekeler Could Be Useful for Carolina
The potential interest in Austin Ekeler makes sense from a roster-depth perspective.
Brooks was expected to provide Carolina with another weapon capable of contributing on the ground and through the passing game. Ekeler has extensive experience in that type of role.
If the Panthers decide to sign him, his familiarity with NFL offenses could allow Carolina to add an experienced option while Brooks recovers.
Still, the Panthers have not indicated that Ekeler will automatically join the roster. His workout gives the team an opportunity to determine whether he is physically ready for an NFL workload.
Early Bye Could Help Jonathon Brooks
Although Brooks is expected to miss at least six weeks, Carolina’s schedule could potentially reduce the number of games he misses.
The Panthers have an early Week 5 bye. If Brooks progresses according to the current recovery timeline and avoids additional setbacks, the bye could provide additional recovery time and potentially reduce his missed games.
For now, however, Carolina has to prepare for a significant stretch without him.
The Panthers will travel to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, with Hubbard expected to lead the backfield.
Panthers Make Another Roster Move
Carolina also made an official roster move following the Brooks injury.
The Panthers signed safety Isaiah Simmons to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. Simmons had been elevated to the gameday roster during Carolina’s first two games and played 80 percent of the team’s special teams snaps.
The move came as Carolina placed Brooks on injured reserve.
The Panthers will now have to balance their short-term backfield needs while waiting for Brooks to recover.
What Comes Next for Jonathon Brooks?
For Jonathon Brooks, the immediate priority is recovering from the core muscle injury and returning to the field.
His 2026 comeback was supposed to mark a new stage in his career after two ACL injuries and a full season away from football. Instead, another injury has forced him back onto injured reserve.
The current expectation is that Brooks will miss at least six weeks rather than the entire season, leaving open the possibility of a return later in 2026.
Until then, Hubbard is positioned for a larger role, Dillon could see more snaps, and Carolina will continue evaluating its options.
The Panthers’ decision to bring in Austin Ekeler for a workout shows how quickly their backfield plans have changed. Whether Ekeler becomes part of the solution will depend on his workout and the team’s assessment of its running back depth.
For Brooks, another interruption is frustrating, but the focus now shifts toward recovery and getting back on the field.
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