The Carolina Panthers are preparing to take on the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. However, Carolina will once again be without running back Jonathon Brooks.

After battling a series of injuries dating back to his college days, Brooks has continued to face injury setbacks in his professional career. The Panthers’ running back has appeared in just two games so far this season and is currently on injured reserve after suffering an injury during Carolina’s Week 2 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

What Happened to Jonathon Brooks?

Brooks will miss Thursday’s game as he continues recovering from a core muscle injury that required surgery. He re-aggravated a lingering groin injury against Atlanta, with the issue later diagnosed as a core muscle injury that required surgery.

The young running back was seen walking toward the tunnel alongside members of the Panthers’ staff with a towel covering his head. He was initially listed as questionable to return but ultimately remained out for the rest of the game.

Carolina selected Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, injuries have continued to interrupt his development.

Brooks missed most of his rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL. After appearing in just three games as a rookie, he re-injured the knee and required another procedure, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season.

Earlier in the year, while still working his way back from a second ACL tear, Brooks reflected on the difficulty of the rehabilitation process and his hope of returning to the field.

“I mean, obviously it’s like an emotional roller coaster, but you know, truthfully, I know that God has a plan for me and I know that he makes no mistakes and he’s using my story to show the world the amazing things he can do, and so I’m set on that,” Brooks said.

Brooks was subsequently cleared to play in the Panthers’ season opener against the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old playmaker found himself back on the injury report just two games into the season. In his two outings this season, he rushed for 30 yards on nine carries and added two receptions for 43 yards.

When Will Jonathon Brooks Return?

The initial recovery estimate provides the clearest indication of Brooks’ potential return. Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the running back was expected to miss six to eight weeks following surgery.

That projected recovery timeline offers hope that Brooks could return sometime in November, though the Panthers have not confirmed a specific date for his comeback.

There was an encouraging development in mid-October when Brooks was spotted jogging at practice. However, he was not wearing a uniform and also remained on injured reserve.

The Panthers have not announced an official return date for the running back. His progress toward full participation in practice will be crucial in determining when he can rejoin the lineup.

The Panthers are currently leading the NFC South with a 3-3 record while being ranked No.9 in PFN’s NFL Offense Impact Ranking.