Panthers Place Brooks on IR, Work Out Ekeler After Core Injury

Key points

• Jonathon Brooks was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday after suffering a core muscle injury in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
• Brooks is expected to undergo surgery and miss at least six weeks, with coach Dave Canales estimating a six-to-eight-week absence.
• The Panthers hosted a workout for veteran free agent Austin Ekeler, who has not played since tearing his Achilles tendon in September 2025.
• Chuba Hubbard is now the clear lead running back, having accumulated 27 touches compared to Brooks' 11 in the first two games.
• AJ Dillon remains the primary backup, while the team looks to Ekeler for potential pass-catching depth.

Background

Brooks has struggled with durability since being drafted in 2024, missing significant time due to back-to-back ACL tears. He returned for the 2026 season with high expectations but was limited by soreness before Week 1. The Panthers had planned a backfield-by-committee approach with Hubbard, but Brooks' latest injury forces a shift to Hubbard as the workhorse.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and CBS Sports emphasize the immediate need for depth, noting that Ekeler's workout is a critical step to bolster the roster. NFL.com highlights the severity of Brooks' injury history, framing the core issue as the latest in a series of catastrophic setbacks. ESPN reports that while Ekeler's workout went well, a signing is not expected immediately, suggesting the Panthers may still be evaluating options. All sources agree that Hubbard is now the primary option, but they differ on the urgency of the Ekeler decision, with some viewing it as an emergency move and others as a long-term depth addition.

Why it matters

The loss of Brooks significantly impacts the Panthers' offensive versatility and fantasy value. Hubbard's increased workload could lead to fatigue, while the uncertainty surrounding Ekeler's status creates a gap in the backfield. The team's ability to find a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield is crucial for supporting quarterback Bryce Young's development.

What to watch

The Panthers will monitor Ekeler's availability and potentially sign him if he clears the workout. Hubbard will continue to lead the rushing attack, while Dillon provides backup support. The team will reassess the backfield composition as the season progresses, with Brooks' return timeline remaining uncertain.