The Carolina Panthers have lost one of their top running backs long-term just two weeks into the 2026 NFL season.
The Panthers are expected to place third-year back Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve (IR) because of a core muscle injury, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reports. Brooks is expected to miss at least six weeks because of the ailment.
Brooks played sparingly across the Panthers' first two games of the 2026 NFL season. He handled 11 total touches (nine carries, two receptions) and turned them into 73 yards while playing 33 offensive snaps, just 24.63% of Carolina's total on that side of the ball.
But now, the Panthers will have to turn to a different foil to starter Chuba Hubbard. The team is also expected to work out some veteran running backs
ahead of its Week 3 game against the Cleveland Browns as the Panthers look to compensate for the loss of Brooks.
Here's more to know about Brooks' injury and how the Panthers will manage their backfield rotation with him out of action.
Jonathon Brooks injury update
Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters after their 34-3 Week 2 win over the Atlanta Falcons that Brooks had aggravated a groin injury that plagued him during training camp.
"That's going to be a day-to-day thing," Canales said, referencing Brooks' injury. "We'll have more information as we get into the week."
The Panthers have not yet announced an official timeline for Brooks' return, but they did place the running back on IR on Wednesday, Sept. 23. He will miss at least four weeks because of that designation but could be sidelined longer.
Jonathon Brooks injury history
Brooks appeared in just three games with one start across his first two NFL seasons because of injuries to his right ACL. He originally tore the ligament during his final season at the University of Texas. The malady lingered into his rookie campaign and he re-tore it, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
Now, Brooks will recover from his latest injury – this one to his groin – as he looks to prove he can be an NFL-caliber running back.
Who is Jonathon Brooks' backup?
Brooks is the Panthers' No. 2 running back behind Hubbard, who will continue to handle a bulk of Carolina's carries with Brooks out. That said, the Texas product's injury will open the door for veteran AJ Dillon to step into the primary backup role.
Dillon, a second-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft, has appeared in 69 career games, recording 617 career carries for 2,513 yards and 16 touches. The 6-0, 247-pound bruiser could be in line for more goal-line work but also has solid receiving skills, having notched 89 catches for 784 yards and two touchdowns during his career.
Dillon has posted eight carries for 25 yards across his first two games with the Panthers.
Panthers RB depth chart
The Panthers have just two healthy running backs on their 53-man roster with Brooks being moved to IR. The pecking order within the room is as follows:
- Chuba Hubbard
- AJ Dillon
The Panthers also have Anthony Tyus III and Ahmani Marshall on their practice squad. Either could be promoted to add depth behind Hubbard and Dillon.
Will Panthers sign Austin Ekeler?
The Panthers could also sign a veteran running back to help replace Brooks. Ekeler would be an option for the team, as Carolina is hosting the 31-year-old for a visit on Wednesday, per multiple reports.
Ekeler played in just two games for the Washington Commanders last season. He handled 19 touches and generated 81 yards before suffering a torn Achilles.
Ekeler has four career seasons with at least 1,000 scrimmage yards. His skills as a receiver could make him a solid complement to Hubbard and Dillon while his abilities as a kick returner – he was an All-Pro second-teamer at the position in 2025 – could also make him a versatile asset.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jonathon Brooks injury update as Panthers place RB on IR
