Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks' season has tragically ended after he re-tore his right ACL during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This devastating injury confirms the team's fears after Brooks went down in a non-contact incident in the first quarter. He attempted to walk off the field under his own power but ultimately needed assistance.
This is the same ACL Brooks injured in November 2023 while playing for the University of Texas, an injury that impacted his draft stock and saw him fall to the Panthers in the second round (46th overall). The team understood he would need time to rehabilitate and were committed to supporting him through the process.
Brooks' return to the field just three weeks prior made this setback even more heartbreaking. His NFL debut came in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, though his role was limited behind starting running back Chuba Hubbard. He had accumulated 25 yards on eight carries before Sunday's game.
The injury is a significant blow to the Panthers, who are struggling through another challenging season. Brooks' promising college career, where he amassed 1,139 rushing yards and 286 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns in 11 games for Texas before his initial ACL tear, offered a glimmer of hope for the team's future. Many projected him as a first-round pick before the injury.
Brooks now faces another extensive rehabilitation period, and his future in the NFL remains uncertain.
