The Carolina Panthers just took a major hit before training camp even kicked off.
Second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, once expected to be a big part of the Panthers’ future backfield, is officially out for the entire 2025 season. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Panthers placed Brooks on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which by NFL rules, ends his season before it even begins.
It’s a tough break for both Brooks and the team.
Coming out of college, Brooks was seen as a dynamic back with serious upside—a potential one-two punch with Chuba Hubbard, who’s already proven he can deliver at a Pro Bowl level. But with Brooks now shelved until at least 2026, the Panthers have had to adapt quickly.
And they didn’t waste any time doing so.
In free agency, the team picked up Rico Dowdle from Dallas and retained Raheem Blackshear. They also invested in the draft, grabbing Trevor Etienne, younger brother of Jaguars RB Travis Etienne in the fourth round. As if that wasn’t enough, they signed Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams as an undrafted free agent.
Clearly, the Panthers knew something was up.
Losing Brooks this early is disappointing, especially considering the expectations that come with a second-round pick. But the front office seems to be building a safety net by stacking depth at running back. Whether one of these new additions can emerge as a reliable weapon remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt head coach Dave Canales wants to keep the ground game moving while Brooks recovers.
Jonathan Brooks Timeline Of Return
The expectation is that he’ll return at full strength in 2026, and hopefully, the long recovery process gives him the time he needs to come back better than ever. The Panthers will be hoping the rest of their backfield can step up in the meantime and make the most of the opportunity.
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Still, you’ve got to wonder: will Carolina’s backfield be able to produce without one of its most promising young stars?
How big of a blow is Brooks’ injury to the Panthers’ 2025 season? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
