The worst-case scenario has been confirmed for Jonathon Brooks

The Carolina Panthers will have to play without Jonathon Brooks for at least six weeks.

The running back is scheduled to undergo surgery on his abdominal muscles following the groin injury he sustained Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

The incident occurred in the fourth quarter, when Brooks was forced to leave the game. The 23-year-old headed for the tunnel accompanied by members of the team's medical staff. Moments later, he made his way back to the locker room, walking with difficulty and visibly hampered by his injury.

This absence represents yet another setback for Brooks, who was just beginning to find some stability after several major physical issues since his arrival in the NFL.

Selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, Brooks saw his first professional season cut short by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, an injury he sustained while still playing for the Texas Longhorns. After playing just three games in his rookie season, he suffered another tear of the same ligament in December 2024.

This second injury forced him to sit out the entire 2025 season. Last summer, Brooks was finally able to participate in his first full NFL training camp. However, a groin injury had already limited his preparation ahead of the season opener.

The Panthers will have to redistribute responsibilities

Despite this injury, Brooks had managed to play in the season opener against the Chicago Bears. After two games this season, however, he had only nine carries for 30 yards, along with two receptions for 43 yards.

His absence could last several weeks. The Panthers' schedule, however, includes a bye week in Week 5, which could reduce the number of games he misses to five in the best-case scenario.

While Brooks recovers, Chuba Hubbard is expected to remain Carolina's primary option in the running game. The Canadian veteran is thus likely to see his workload increase. AJ Dillon could also see more playing time to add another dimension to the Panthers' offense.

For Brooks, this latest stretch of inactivity represents yet another setback in a career that has so far been marked by several major injuries.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.