The Carolina PanthersThe fears for their rookie running back Jonathon Brooks were confirmed Monday when the second-round pick tore his ACL again, putting him out for the remainder of the season.
It’s a sad situation for Brooks, the second-round pick out of Texas, as he tore the same right ACL he repaired from last year’s tear during his final season at the Longhornsthe team announced on Monday.
Brooks had only returned to the Panthers three weeks ago, but extensive rehab will again be the plan after his ligament is repaired.
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Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks during warmups before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
The injury was a non-contact situation, as Brooks tried to cut to the left and plant on his right foot, but he quickly went down as he felt something was wrong. It was only the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brooks tried to walk to the sideline under his own power, but he fell to the turf and needed help to get off the field.
The running back tore his ACL in November during Texas’ run to the College Football Playoff, which was a blow not only to the Longhorns but also to Brooks’ draft stock.
Brooks totaled 1,139 rushing yards and 286 receiving yards with 11 total touchdowns in 11 games for the Longhorns prior to his injury in 2023 – his first year leading college football.
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks runs as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum defends at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan-Imagn images)
Many thought he would be selected in the first round due to his success in Austin last year, but he fell to the second round, where the Panthers kept him at No. 46 overall after the ACL injury. Teams knew he needed time to continue his rehabilitation, and the Panthers were prepared to help him through that process.
There were some who wondered if Brooks should see the field at all this season, as Carolina struggled again after finishing 2-15 last season.
But Brooks was on the field and made his NFL debut in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, though Chuba Hubbard remained the lead for the offense.
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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Used sparingly, Brooks rushed for 25 yards on eight carries ahead of Sunday’s game against the Eagles.
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