Third-year running back Jonathon Brooks has endured some torrid luck since entering the league. And just when it looked like the Carolina Panthers were finally getting a return on their investment, another setback arrived.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Brooks will undergo surgery for a core muscle issue that will place him on injured reserve. He's expected to miss at least six weeks, and the Panthers are reportedly bringing in dual-threat veteran Austin Ekeler for a workout to potentially fill the void.
This is not good. At all.
Carolina Panthers are now focused on supporting Jonathon Brooks' recovery (again)
Brooks had so many high hopes entering the season. He finally got a full offseason under his belt after missing the best part of two years with successive ACL tears on the same knee. He looked sharp and dynamic, with some even predicting the Texas product to take over lead-back duties from Chuba Hubbard as the campaign went on.
That seems like a long way off now.
The signs were not promising. Brooks was dealing with a groin injury. He played versus the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons, but the juice wasn't there. Now, the Panthers have taken drastic action, and another demoralizing rehabilitation awaits.
It is not ideal, but at least it's not his ACL again.
And at least Brooks is well-versed in overcoming adversity.
It took significant mental resolve for Brooks to return from his second torn ACL. Another body blow to his chances of becoming a prominent feature is the worst possible news, but he just has to keep plowing forward.
Carolina Panthers may have a big decision to make with Jonathon Brooks next year
There is nothing else he can do.
The Panthers don't have the luxury of waiting around with an NFC South title to defend. Whether it's Ekeler or someone else, they need another body. This bears more significance considering Trevor Etienne is also on injured reserve.
Brooks clears both Ekeler and Etienne in terms of raw talent. But the inability to stay healthy is proving highly complicated.
And if he cannot make an impact this season, his long-term future will be in real peril.
It's incredible to think that after turning out just five times for Carolina since being drafted No. 46 overall, next season is a contract year for Brooks. The Panthers still believe he can become what they originally envisaged, but everyone has a tipping point.
General manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales won't want to give up on Brooks, and they won't. At the same time, they cannot look at his trajectory right now and think they can fully depend on him.
That might sound harsh, but the NFL is a tough business.
There have been hundreds of players who've come into the league with talent and fallen by the wayside due to injury. Brooks might not be there just yet, but the Panthers have gotten almost nothing out of the 2024 second-rounder so far.
And unless Brooks can hit the ground running (literally) when he gets the all-clear to resume football activities, the Panthers will have a big decision to make next year.
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