Jonathon Brooks to miss at least 6 weeks with core injury, marking yet another injury-riddled season

That proved to be a harbinger of what was to come for Brooks. Injuries have come to define his career in the NFL, as Brooks will miss at least the next six weeks due to core-muscle surgery, according to NFL Network.

Brooks' college ACL injury led to the runner missing the Panthers' first 10 games during his rookie season. He made his NFL debut in Week 12, and was given a sprinkling of snaps over his first two games before drawing a start in his third NFL game. His appearance lasted just one carry, as Brooks again tore the ACL in his right knee.

After missing the entire 2025 NFL season, Brooks was expected to be finally healthy heading into training camp in 2026. He received plenty of offseason buzz, with some expecting him to challenge Chuba Hubbard for the lead role in Carolina.