Jonathon Brooks injury update: Surgery sends Panthers RB to injured reserve again

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has been sidelined again, this time due to a core muscle injury. The third-year NFL player, who had just returned from tearing the same knee ligament twice, is expected to undergo surgery on Wednesday and miss at least six weeks. Brooks' troubles began in training camp when he injured his groin over the summer, initially dismissed as mere soreness.

Despite coach Dave Canales's optimism, Brooks was placed on the injury report and played in the Panthers' opening game against the Chicago Bears. However, he re-aggravated the injury late in that game and walked off the field with trainers. On Monday, Tom Pelissero reported that Brooks was week to week, awaiting further medical opinions.

The 23-year-old had started the year as the No. 2 back behind Chuba Hubbard, running nine times for 30 yards and catching two passes for 43 yards in two games. Brooks' injury history, including his 2023 season-ending knee injury, has limited his playing time, and he now finds himself in a position where he hasn't achieved a rushing first down in his third NFL season.