×

Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks to have surgery, put on IR

By Thomson Reuters Sep 23, 2026 | 9:20 AM

By Field Level Media

Sep 23 (Field Level Media) – Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks needs core-muscle surgery and ​was placed on injured reserve ‌Wednesday.

Brooks left Sunday’s win against Atlanta in the fourth quarter with what was described as a groin injury. He will be out for ‌at ​least six weeks, multiple ⁠media outlets reported.

Brooks, ⁠23, has rushed nine times for 30 yards and caught two passes for 43 yards through two games for ​the Panthers (1-1).

A second-round pick out of Texas in 2024, Brooks missed most ⁠of his rookie season ⁠and the entire 2025 season ​with multiple ACL injuries. He has played ​in just five games (one start), tallying ‌118 yards from scrimmage.

On Wednesday, the Panthers promoted safety Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad. He has been promoted ⁠from the practice squad for both games this season.

Multiple outlets reported that the Panthers will bring ⁠in ‌veteran running back Austin Ekeler ⁠for a workout heading into ​Sunday’s ‌game at Cleveland (1-1).

Ekeler, 31, has ​rushed for ⁠4,765 yards and 43 touchdowns and has 480 catches for 4,288 yards and 30 scores in 117 games (76 starts) with the Los Angeles Chargers (2017-23) and Washington Commanders (2024-25).

(–Field ​Level Media)