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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - One Carolina Panthers player has once again found himself in a place that is all too familiar.
Running back Jonathan Brooks landed back on injured reserve Wednesday morning after it was reported that he would need surgery to repair a muscle injury. The Panthers had said in recent weeks Brooks was dealing with a groin injury.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the surgery is expected to keep Brooks out for at least six weeks, but added he should return before the regular season is over.
Brooks is now in his third year in the NFL, and has found himself on injured reserve all three seasons.
He missed the first 10 games of his rookie season in 2024 while recovering from a torn ACL in college, then re-tore the same ligament in the same knee after just three games. He then missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from the second ACL tear.
Of the 36 regular-season games the Panthers have played since they drafted Brooks, the 23-year-old has suited up for only five.
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This year’s training camp was the first where the 23-year-old was able to actually participate. He figured to be an important part of the Panthers’ offense this season, rotating in with fellow running back Chuba Hubbard.
Brooks played in Carolina’s first two games in 2026, running for 30 yards on nine carries and catching five passes for 66 yards. He was essentially second fiddle to Hubbard but was nonetheless viewed as a weapon for the Panthers.
With Brooks joining Trevor Etienne on injured reserve, that leaves Hubbard and veteran A.J. Dillon as the only two running backs on the Panthers’ active roster.
Carolina reportedly planned to bring in free-agent running back Austin Ekeler for a workout on Wednesday. The longtime Charger spent the past two seasons with the Commanders but saw his 2025 campaign cut short by an Achilles tear.
Players on injured reserve are required to sit out a minimum four games but can be reactivated after that.
The Panthers will be back in action this Sunday, Sept. 20, when they hit the road to face the Cleveland Browns.
Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (25) is back on injured reserve.
Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (25) is back on injured reserve.(Gary McCullough | AP Photo/Gary McCullough)