Based on recent updates, the Carolina Panthers will be without running back Jonathon Brooks for a significant time due to his groin injury and will need to consider other options to fill the void. ESPN's Mike Kaye reported that Brooks will "undergo core muscle surgery" for his injury. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Brooks is expected to be out for four to six weeks as he recovers from his surgery.
The former 2024 second-round pick out of Texas missed all of last season due to injury. He played in three games, starting in one, during his rookie season. After missing the 2025 season, things seemed promising as he participated in August's preseason game against the Bills, but now the Panthers will look to other options amid his surgery recovery.
More news: Maxx Crosby Defends Bears’ Caleb Williams After Dramatic Injury Reaction That includes considering former All-Pro back Austin Ekeler, who last played for the Washington Commanders in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Ekeler, 31, played for the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017 to 2023 and led the league in touchdowns in two of those seasons. Brooks hasn't had a major impact in his few seasons with Carolina, as Chuba Hubbard gets the bulk of the carries and attention at back.
Hubbard has 22 carries for 102 rushing yards and one touchdown so far this season. Bringing in Ekeler would add a pretty steady veteran backup as this team looks to contend in the NFC. The Panthers are currently tied with the Baltimore Ravens for fourth in the NFL in total yards of offense per game, averaging 409 yards per game.
However, that's mostly due to an exceptional start to the season for quarterback Bryce Young. After two games, the Panthers lead the league with 312.5 passing yards per game. Carolina is currently 1-1 after bouncing back this weekend with a 34-3 win over the struggling Atlanta Falcons.
They next visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. More news: Aaron Donald Makes Candid Admission After Rams Return Against Giants For more about the Carolina Panthers and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
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