Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers will enter Week 3 without one of their backfield options following their first victory of the season.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that running back Jonathon Brooks will undergo surgery to repair a core muscle injury and has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least six weeks.
“Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks, who left Sunday’s win early, is expected to have surgery today to repair a core muscle injury that will land him on Injured Reserve,” Rapoport wrote. “Brooks is out at least 6 weeks, but should return with plenty of time to contribute down the stretch.”
Added Rapoport: “The #Panthers have now placed Jonathon Brooks on IR and promoted safety Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad.”
The Panthers have already confirmed Brooks’ official placement on injured reserve.
Brooks exited Carolina’s 34-3 victory over Atlanta and was seen limping toward the locker room. Head coach Dave Canales initially described the injury as a groin issue, with Brooks considered week-to-week before further evaluation revealed the need for surgery.
This news marks another injury setback for the 23-year-old running back. Carolina selected Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft while he was recovering from a torn ACL suffered at Texas. Brooks returned during his rookie season but tore the same right ACL again in December 2024. He subsequently missed the entire 2025 season.
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The running back participated in training camp and preseason action this year before recording 73 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches through Carolina’s first two games.
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With Brooks unavailable, Chuba Hubbard remains Carolina’s leading backfield option. Hubbard has racked up 151 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns through two games, while AJ Dillon is also on the Panthers’ active roster.
Young and the Panthers host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
