The Carolina Panthers placed running back Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve Wednesday.
Brooks is expected to miss at least six weeks due to a core muscle injury, sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Panthers elevated safety Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad in a corresponding move.
The 23-year-old Brooks left the Panthers’ 34-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter. The dynamic halfback walked to the tunnel with a towel over his head alongside members of the Panthers’ staff. He was spotted limping to the locker room after Sunday’s game.
Brooks, the Panthers’ 2024 second-round pick, missed the start of his rookie season while rehabbing a torn ACL sustained during his final year in college. The Texas product tore the same right knee ligament again in December 2024, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
Brooks took part in training camp and preseason games for the first time in his NFL career leading up to the 2026 campaign. He was able to suit up for the Panthers’ season opener despite a groin injury.
The third-year tailback recorded 73 scrimmage yards on 11 touches through two games.
The Panthers are expected to continue to lean on Chuba Hubbard with Brooks sidelined. Hubbard has tallied 151 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns this season heading into Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
AJ Dillon could see more snaps as a change-of-pace option behind Hubbard. The Panthers could elevate Anthony Tyus III and Ahmani Marshall from the practice squad to bolster their depth. Trevor Etienne was placed on injured reserve in August.
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