Panthers could explore trade for Chargers RB Kimani Vidal as Brooks deals with groin injury

Carolina may look to add backfield depth behind Chuba Hubbard with Jonathon Brooks nursing a groin injury that could keep him out week to week.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is dealing with a groin injury two games into the 2026 season, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports he may be considered week to week. Brooks has been limited to just 23 snaps over his first two NFL seasons after suffering two ACL tears.

If Brooks misses time, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggests Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal as a possible trade target for Panthers general manager Dan Morgan. Vidal has slipped to third on the Chargers' depth chart after the team signed Keaton Mitchell in the offseason.

Vidal filled a lead role last season while Omarion Hampton was out with an ankle injury, rushing for a career-high 643 yards and three touchdowns.

Moton notes the Chargers could be open to a deal if they fall to 0-3, making draft capital more valuable. On the Carolina side, the calculus may depend on how long Brooks is out, with Trevor Etienne eligible to return after the Panthers' Week 5 bye, which could reduce the need to trade draft picks.