Panthers turn to Veteran Austin Ekeler after Jonathan Brooks lands on injured reserve

The Carolina Panthers are facing a sudden requirement for additional depth at running back after Jonathan Brooks suffered an injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended duration. With Brooks heading to Injured Reserve, the team is currently exploring veteran options, including former Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler.

No signing had been made as of Wednesday morning, but Carolina was reportedly moving quickly to analyze its options. The Panthers worked out Ekeler on Wednesday as they assessed their backfield after Brooks' injury.

Jonathan Brooks set to miss extended time

Brooks left Carolina's Week 2 victory over the Atlanta Falcons and headed to the locker room with trainers beside him and a towel over his head. The nature of the injury was not immediately clear from his movement, but the supplied reports then identified it as a core muscle injury.


NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared an update on X:

“#Panthers RB Jonathan 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, sources say.

Brooks is out at least 6 weeks, but should return with plenty of time to contribute down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/KaEZicqJhk

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2026”

The six-week absence is significant for Brooks, who has already dealt with multiple injuries in his NFL career. The Panthers had hoped he could establish himself as their RB2 and possibly operate along with Chuba Hubbard.

Another portion of the supplied details explains Brooks as having aggravated a groin injury during the Panthers' 34-3 victory against Atlanta and says he is currently considered week-to-week. Regardless of the differing injury descriptions in the reports provided, the material consistently suggests that Brooks is expected to miss time.

Panthers evaluate Austin Ekeler

With Brooks unavailable, Carolina has been assessing the depth behind Hubbard. AJ Dillon is another veteran option already with the team, but the Panthers reportedly need additional depth.

NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported that Carolina was working out Ekeler on Wednesday.

“Ekeler has been fully medically cleared after tearing his Achilles last season with the Washington Commanders,” Wilson cited on X.

Ekeler brings rushing and receiving experience

Ekeler's most recent relatively healthy season came with Washington in 2024. That season, he recorded 77 rushing attempts for 367 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, along with 35 receptions for 366 yards.

He was injured in Washington's second game last season and did not return to play for the team before becoming a free agent this offseason. The supplied information says he suffered a non-contact, season-ending injury against the Green Bay Packers after recording 43 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards.

Over his NFL career, Ekeler has appeared in 117 games. He has 1,081 rushing attempts for 4,765 yards and 43 touchdowns, alongside 480 receptions for 4,288 yards and 30 receiving touchdowns.

His best rushing season came in 2022, when he posted career highs of 915 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. As a receiver, he recorded a career-best 92 catches for 993 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019.

Ekeler was with Washington during the 2024 season, when the Commanders reached the NFC championship game.

What happens next for Brooks?

The supplied information indicates that Brooks' recovery will require caution. It also notes that he had dealt with the same issue during training camp, which could influence how carefully the Panthers approach his return.

While Brooks works his way back, Hubbard and Dillon are expected to handle most of the touches in the backfield.

Carolina's decision on Ekeler could therefore become an important part of how the team manages its running back situation while Brooks is unavailable.

FAQs:

1. Who is Jonathan Brooks?
Jonathan Brooks is a running back for the Carolina Panthers. He was expected to contribute alongside Chuba Hubbard.

2. What happened to Jonathan Brooks?
Brooks suffered an injury during the Panthers' Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The supplied reports say he is expected to miss extended time.