Jonathon Brooks to miss at least 6 weeks with core injury, marking yet another injury-riddled season
The Carolina Panthers thought they were getting a steal when the team selected running back Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. During his final season at Texas, Brooks looked like a massive talent, and was on his way to being the top-ranked running back in the draft before tearing his ACL.
That proved to be a harbinger of what was to come for Brooks. Injuries have come to define his career in the NFL, as Brooks will miss at least the next six weeks due to core-muscle surgery, according to NFL Network.
#Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks, who left Sunday's win early, is expected to have surgery today to repair a core muscle injury that will land him on Injured Reserve, sources say.
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2026
Brooks is out at least 6 weeks, but should return with plenty of time to contribute down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/RvXTRINyMf
Brooks' college ACL injury led to the runner missing the Panthers' first 10 games during his rookie season. He made his NFL debut in Week 12, and was a sprinkling of snaps over his first two games before drawing a start in his third NFL game. His appearance lasted just one carry, as Brooks re-tore the ACL in his right knee.
After missing the entire 2025 NFL season, Brooks was expected to be finally healthy heading into training camp in 2026. He received plenty of offseason buzz, with some expecting him to challenge Chuba Hubbard for the lead role in Carolina.
Though a late groin injury threatened Brooks' availability before the season, he was able to get back on the field and play in Week 1. His playing time was limited, as he touched the ball just five times against the Chicago Bears.
Brooks received a similar workload in Week 2, touching the ball six times before leaving the contest after re-aggravating his groin injury.
With the injury, Brooks has now played in just five NFL games since being drafted by the team in 2024. He has 18 career carries for 52 yards and has caught five balls for 66 yards.
Brooks is expected to be placed on injured reserve once he undergoes surgery. With Brooks down multiple weeks, the Panthers will work out veteran Austin Ekeler to see if he can be a possible replacement.
Though Brooks hasn't been a major contributor, the Panthers are off to a strong start in 2026. After losing in Week 1 to the Bears, the Panthers bounced back with an impressive win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. Quarterback Bryce Young appears to have taken a step forward and Hubbard looks re-invigorated after an injury-riddled 2025.
The core muscle surgery isn't expected to keep Brooks out for the entire season, offering some hope he can still return and be a useful weapon for the team down the stretch. Given Brooks' injury history, though, it's tough to count on him staying on the field once he's ready to return.