Panthers running back Brooks set for procedure, put on IR

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks is expected to undergo core muscle surgery today and will be out for at least a month and a half.

Carolina placed him on the injured reserve.

With Jonathon sidelined, Carolina is bringing in ex-Chargers and Commanders RB Austin Ekeler for a workout.

Brook left weekend’s victory against Arizona in the 4^th quarter with what was described as a groin problem. The 3^rd-year RB walked to the tunnel with a towel over his head with 3 members of his team’s staff. The Panthers running back was later seen favoring the injury as he slowly limped, on his own power, to the locker room after the match.

Jonathon, a 2^nd-round selection in 2024, returned in the current campaign from back-to-back ACL procedures. Brooks was sidelined for most of his rookie campaign while recovering from the first procedure on his right knee, an injury that occurred in his final season at Texas. After competing in just 3 matches as a rookie, Brooks restored his right ACL at the end of 2024 and was forced to undergo another surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 campaign.

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Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks is expected to have surgery on Wednesday to repair a core muscle injury that will land him on the injured reserve, per @RapSheet.

Brooks is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks. pic.twitter.com/YzZSVQZMYU

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 23, 2026