The Carolina Panthers have placed running back Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve with a groin muscle injury that is expected to require surgery. It is technically possible that we will see him on the field again before the end of the season. Brooks had a promising camp while working back from a 2024 tear of his right ACL.
He tore the same ACL in college before then-rookie general manager Dan Morgan traded picks no. 52, 142, and 155 to acquire the 46th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft from the Indianapolis
Colts to acquire Brooks for the Panthers. Since then he has gained 72 yards on 18 attempts in five games. His earliest possible return would be Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers.
The Panthers have promoted practice squad linebacker Isaiah Simmons to the active roster to fill Brooks’ roster spot and are reportedly working out veteran running back Austin Ekeler to fill Brooks’ role on the field.
They have also re-signed linebacker Maema Njongmeta to their practice squad.
