Panthers Admit Unusual Mistake Involving Injured RB Jonathon Brooks

The Carolina Panthers recently admitted an unusual mistake involving their injured running back, Jonathon Brooks. After suffering groin and core muscle injuries during Week 2 of the 2026 season, Brooks missed all six subsequent games. The team opened Brooks' 21-day practice window to return from the injury on Wednesday, listing him as a full participant for both Wednesday and Thursday's practice sessions.

However, a Panthers team spokesperson later revealed that this designation was incorrect. Brooks, along with cornerback Mike Jackson, should have been listed as limited during those practice sessions. Both players were officially marked as doubtful for Sunday's Week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints. In Brooks' absence, starting running back Chuba Hubbard has stepped up, recording 619 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 167 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns in the team's first eight games.

The Panthers' running back depth chart remains thin, with Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon, and Anthony Tyus III as the primary backups. Currently, the team stands at 3-5 at the beginning of their 2026 campaign, having lost all three of their latest games. Despite this, Carolina remains atop the NFC South standings, tied with the New Orleans Saints, with Sunday's Week 10 match against the Saints set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET.