Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a core muscle injury, and is expected to miss at least six weeks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Panthers placed Brooks on injured reserve Wednesday, shortly after he suffered what was initially described as a groin injury during Sunday’s 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Brooks left the game in the fourth quarter after aggravating the issue, which had also bothered him during the period leading into the season opener. Panthers coach Dave Canales said Monday that the team was awaiting the results of an MRI. A person familiar with the situation said that Brooks is expected to return later this season, although the Panthers had not initially announced a timetable.
The injury is just another setback for Brooks, who was selected by Carolina in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He sustained an ACL tear during his final season at Texas and suffered another tear to the same knee during his rookie season, limiting him to three games in 2024 and keeping him out for the entire 2025 season. He had appeared in five NFL games entering this season.
Brooks had nine carries for 30 yards and two receptions for 43 yards through Carolina’s first two games of 2026. With him sidelined, Chuba Hubbard is expected to remain the Panthers’ primary running back, with A.J. Dillon providing additional depth. Carolina also promoted safety Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad to fill Brooks’ roster spot and is working out veteran running back Austin Ekeler.
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