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).
