Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is set to undergo core muscle surgery Wednesday and will place on injured reserve, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
He will be sidelined for at least six weeks, Rapoport said.
With Brooks out, the Panthers are bringing in former Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler for a workout.
Brooks left Sunday’s win over the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter with what was described as a groin injury. The third-year running back walked to the tunnel with a towel over his head with three members of the Panthers’ staff. He was later seen favoring the injury as he slowly limped, on his own power, to the locker room following the game.
Brooks, a second-round pick in 2024, returned this season from back-to-back ACL surgeries. He missed the bulk of his rookie season while recovering from the first surgery on his right knee, an injury that occurred during his final year at Texas.
After playing in just three games as a rookie, he retore his right ACL in December 2024 and was forced to undergo another procedure, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
In two games this season, Brooks produced 30 rushing yards on nine carries and 43 receiving yards on two catches.
With Brooks sidelined for at least six weeks, the best-case scenario might mean he misses only five games, as the Panthers have an early bye in Week 5.
