The Carolina Panthers are dealing with another injury to running back Jonathon Brooks, who is week-to-week with a groin injury. General manager Dan Morgan isn't sitting on his hands with the team so close to entering legitimate contention.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston, the Panthers are scheduled to bring in Austin Ekeler for a workout on Wednesday. The savvy veteran was once considered among the league's best dual-threat backs, and even with concerns, he is a solid fallback option if everything goes well.
Ekeler has been medically cleared to resume football activities after tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 2 last season. He was the Washington Commanders' lead back at the time, carving out an important role for himself after helping the NFC East club reach the conference championship game in 2024.
Carolina Panthers should sign Austin Ekeler if his workout goes well
It's somewhat surprising to see Ekeler still on the free-agent market, but the injury is obviously off-putting. However, with fresh doubts about Brooks' ability to be impactful, the Panthers want to see if the Western Colorado product still has something to offer.
As someone who also covers the Commanders, Ekeler can still play.
There was enough evidence of that during his time in Washington. Though Ekeler is on the older side of running backs around the league, he should be relatively fresh after missing so much time last season.
Obviously, nothing is guaranteed. But it's not costing the Panthers anything to find out if Ekeler is still explosive enough to make a difference within Brad Idzik's aggressive offensive scheme.
And if everything goes according to plan during his workout, don't be surprised if a deal is offered.
Austin Ekeler can be a capable replacement for Jonathon Brooks
This would provide immediate relief as Brooks nurses another disappointing setback. Chuba Hubbard is the top guy, and that won't change. But with the Panthers' rushing attack struggling to generate momentum, someone with Ekeler's credentials will only help.
Ekeler is a smooth route runner with assured hands. He is also a capable ball-carrier despite his advancing years, and the player is more than willing to help as a pass blocker. Couple this with his respected locker-room leadership, and it's not hard to see why the Panthers are intrigued in the circumstances.
It might come to nothing. But if it does, Ekeler's workout videos on social media in recent weeks suggest he should be able to make a contribution immediately.
This doesn't bode well for Brooks' chances of featuring anytime soon. But the Panthers have to do something.
Ekeler is one of the best and most productive options remaining in the veteran pool. And if he displays the same sort of burst as Washington benefited from before his cruel injury blow, the Panthers would be wise to bring him into the fold.
Watch this space...
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