Panthers to Work Out Veteran RB Austin Ekeler With Jonathon Brooks on IR
The short version
- Free agent RB Austin Ekeler is working out for the Panthers, per Aaron Wilson
- Jonathon Brooks had core muscle surgery and was placed on injured reserve
- Ekeler, 31, tore his Achilles in September 2025 and has been medically cleared
- Ekeler twice led the NFL in touchdowns from scrimmage
- Panthers face the Browns in Week 3
Carolina is bringing in free agent running back Austin Ekeler for a workout after Jonathon Brooks underwent core muscle surgery and landed on injured reserve.
The Carolina Panthers are set to work out free agent running back Austin Ekeler, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson. The move comes as the team adjusts to life without Jonathon Brooks, who had surgery for a core muscle injury this week and was placed on injured reserve, where he will sit out a minimum of one month.
Ekeler, 31, is a nine-year veteran whose 2025 campaign ended early when he tore his Achilles in September. Per Wilson, the running back has since been fully cleared medically after undergoing surgery and completing his rehab.
A dual-threat option out of the backfield, Ekeler led the NFL in touchdowns from scrimmage twice during his career. His standout seasons include a 2022 campaign with a personal-best 915 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground, plus a 2019 year in which he hauled in 92 catches for 993 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Panthers enter their Week 3 matchup with the Cleveland Browns looking to build on an offense that has scored 37 and 34 points in its first two games. Bryce Young has played well at quarterback and receiver Jalen Coker has stood out, but the run game has lagged behind the rest of the unit.
