Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks to undergo surgery, out at least six weeks

Jonathon Brooks will undergo surgery to repair a core muscle injury, landing him on injured reserve and expected to keep him off the field for at least six weeks. He left Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons early and did not return.

According to the NFL, Ian Rapoport reported that the surgery is expected to take place on Wednesday and that Brooks will be placed on injured reserve, with a prognosis of at least six weeks out, per his sources.

This is another setback for the 2024 second-round pick, who has suffered a series of injuries since his college days. After recovering from a torn ACL that forced him to miss the start of his rookie season, he had nine touches in three games before again suffering knee ligament injuries and then missing the entire 2025 season. Before the latest injury, in the first two games of the 2026 season he had 11 touches for 73 yards.

While Brooks recovers, Chuba Hubbard is expected to take the bulk of the rushing work, with AJ Dillon as the backup. The team is also working with veteran Austin Ekeler, according to Houston Chronicle reporter Aaron Wilson; Ekeler played two games in 2025 before suffering an Achilles injury, but if healthy he could offer pass-catching options alongside Bryce Young.

The club’s hope is that Brooks returns later in the season to provide a boost to the backfield. According to the NFL, the minimum recovery period is projected at about six weeks, leaving open the possibility of a return during the remainder of the season.

Source: NFL