There is no doubt that Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has talent. That’s talent the team would love to put on display as they hope to get back to the playoffs in 2026, but he’ll need to be healthy to do that.
Going back to college when Brooks played for the Texas Longhorns, injuries have been a concern. In particular, his right ACL, which he would tear in college and then re-tear during his professional career, has limited him to three career games.
This offseason, Brooks has been focused on making a return to the field for the Panthers. Now, he has been able to share the very positive news that he has been “cleared by my surgeon” on the way back to full strength.
“Feels good getting back to the football movements,” Brooks said. “Obviously, it’s something I have to work on. Feel close to 100 percent, getting there. Still just going with the plan they have for me.”
It’s a long offseason, and Brooks is going to need to continue to work to get back to 100%, but this is still a very good sign. There’s plenty of time, though, so no need to rush at this point.
Jonathon Brooks Hasn’t Been Able to Flash His Talent for the Carolina Panthers
GettyCarolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks
Going back to his time in college, it’s been obvious that one thing Jonathon Brooks doesn’t lack is talent. He had his most productive college season back in 2023, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns, to go along with 286 receiving yards and another 2 touchdowns.
However, he also suffered the first of two torn ACLs. That, obviously, led to some concerns as he came out for the 2024 NFL Draft, but the Panthers were still confident enough to take him in the second round that year.
Brooks would open his rookie season on the reserve/non-football injury list before returning in November. However, he would only play in three games before suffering another ACL tear. That was in his right knee once again. He would be placed on the PUP list in May of 2025, ruling him out for the entirety of his second professional season.
In the limited playing time he has had, Brooks has had 9 carries for 22 yards. He also has 3 receptions for 23 yards.
The Carolina Panthers Will Lean on Their Running Back Depth
GettyCarolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard
For Carolina, there is a reality that they can’t rely on Jonathon Brooks in 2026. There is talent and potential there, but he is unproven in the NFL and those injury concerns will follow him around now. Instead, the Panthers will be forced to rely on depth at the position.
Within that depth, there are about three names worth keeping an eye on. That starts with Chuba Hubbard. He played with the Panthers for his entire career and, as recently as 2024, rushed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Another veteran for Carolina is AJ Dillon. In his first season with Carolina, Dillon is coming off a down season in 2025 and is looking for a bit of a renaissance. At one point, he had been an excellent power back for the Green Bay Packers, and there’s reason to hope he can be that again for the Panthers.
Then, another young option for the Panthers would be Trevor Etienne. He’ll be in his second season after playing 17 games, and carrying the ball 20 times, as a rookie in 2025. With his development and the return of Brooks, there is a lot of young talent in that room.
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks Gets Injury Update After Multiple ACL Tears