In light of the latest setback to Jonathon Brooks, it'll be the next man up (and maybe even the next man in) at the running back position for the Carolina Panthers.
Head coach Dave Canales confirmed on Wednesday that Brooks, who re-aggravated the groin injury he sustained at the end of the summer, is headed for surgery. The Panthers have already placed the third-year rusher on injured reserve, with his timeline for return likely ranging from six to eight weeks.
Brooks was serving as the No. 2 option behind starter Chuba Hubbard to start the campaign. But with Brooks sidelined, Carolina will look to sixth-year veteran AJ Dillon to help fill the void in what Canales described as a "great opportunity."
"While we still have Chuba being able to handle
the bulk of the carries, we are gonna use that second back in different roles and AJ has done a great job for us," Canales told reporters following this afternoon's practice.
Dillon appeared in both games this season, rushing for 25 yards on eight carries.
Canales also stated that second-year back Anthony "Tre" Tyus III will be elevated from the practice squad—giving them three options for their Week 3 outing against the Cleveland Browns.
In addition, the Panthers brought in former Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler for a workout today. Canales would not, however, indicate whether the team plans to sign the 31-year-old Ekeler.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales reveals plans at RB with Jonathon Brooks out
