Panthers put running back Jonathon Brooks on IR with groin injury
The short version
- Jonathon Brooks placed on injured reserve with a groin injury suffered vs. Atlanta
- Surgery Wednesday for a core muscle injury; expected to miss at least six weeks
- Brooks is expected to return this season, per a person familiar with the situation
- Safety Isaiah Simmons signed from the practice squad to fill the roster spot
- Chuba Hubbard starts at running back, with A.J. Dillon next on the depth chart
Carolina's backup running back will undergo core muscle surgery and is expected to miss at least six weeks, though he could return later this season.
The Carolina Panthers moved backup running back Jonathon Brooks to injured reserve Wednesday after he hurt his groin late in Sunday's 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Dave Canales said earlier in the week that the club was waiting on MRI results.
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Brooks is scheduled for surgery Wednesday to repair a core muscle injury. The same person, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the running back is expected to sit out at least six weeks but should be able to play again this season. The Panthers have not released an official timeline.
Injuries have defined Brooks' brief career. A second-round pick in 2024 out of Texas, he has appeared in just five of a possible 36 games, having torn his ACL in college and again as a rookie. That second tear kept him out for the rest of 2024 and all of 2025.
Brooks had seen limited action through Carolina's first two games. Chuba Hubbard remains the starter, with A.J. Dillon behind him on the depth chart. To fill the open roster spot, the Panthers promoted safety Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad.
The Panthers visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
