Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks has hit another major roadblock in his young career. Just three weeks into his return from an ACL tear, Brooks was forced to leave Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with what appears to be another knee injury. The 22-year-old rookie limped to the sideline after slipping on a cut in the first quarter, and the Panthers quickly ruled him doubtful to return. Shortly after, Brooks was carted off to the locker room for further evaluation, leaving fans and teammates alike holding their breath.
A Tough Blow for the Promising Rookie
This injury comes as a massive setback for Brooks, who was beginning to show the promise that made him a highly coveted prospect despite his previous knee injury. The Panthers selected Brooks in the second round (No. 46 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping he could become the centerpiece of their backfield. The Texas product had been one of college football’s top running backs before tearing his ACL in November of the previous season, which caused him to fall out of the first round. Despite the injury, Brooks was still the first running back drafted, with the Panthers willing to take a chance on his high upside.
After missing the first 10 games of the season while rehabbing his knee, Brooks made his long-awaited NFL debut in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first two games back, he rushed eight times for 25 yards, serving as a backup to starter Chuba Hubbard. While his early numbers weren’t flashy, the Panthers were clearly excited about what he could bring once fully healthy. Unfortunately, it seems the injury bug has bitten him once again, with Sunday’s non-contact knee injury leaving his future uncertain.
What Happened to Brooks?
The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game when the Panthers and Eagles were locked in a scoreless tie. Brooks made a routine cut while attempting to gain yardage and immediately slipped to the ground, clutching his knee in pain. He initially tried to walk to the sideline but couldn’t make it, stumbling as he limped off the field. It was a scary moment for the Panthers, and the team wasted no time in assessing the situation, eventually ruling him doubtful to return.
The fact that it was a non-contact injury has to raise concerns for the Panthers. While the full extent of the damage isn’t known yet, a non-contact knee injury often suggests the possibility of ligament damage, which could mean an extended recovery period. Considering Brooks’ history with ACL issues, this is a particularly disheartening turn of events for a player who had worked so hard to get back on the field.
What’s Next for the Panthers?
With Brooks likely facing another lengthy absence, Chuba Hubbard is once again thrust into a bell-cow role as the Panthers’ starting running back. Hubbard has performed admirably in Brooks’ absence, and now he will be expected to carry the load for the foreseeable future. The Panthers have already struggled in several areas this season, and losing Brooks, a key part of their future plans, makes their uphill climb even steeper.
For Brooks, this injury could mean another extended period on the sideline, potentially pushing his development back even further. The Panthers had high hopes for him as a dynamic playmaker capable of revitalizing their ground game, but those aspirations are now on hold—at least until the full extent of the injury is determined.
A Career in Limbo
While the Panthers’ immediate focus is on assessing Brooks’ injury and making sure he gets the proper treatment, it’s hard to ignore the bigger picture. Brooks’ career trajectory was already in question after the ACL tear, and now this second knee injury has thrown his future into further uncertainty. With the rookie season essentially derailed, the Panthers may have to wait until next season to see what Brooks can truly offer at full strength.
For now, all the Panthers can do is hope that this setback isn’t as severe as it looks and that Brooks can eventually return to the form that made him one of the most exciting running backs in college football just a year ago.
