Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (24) tries to get off the field after being injured against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks suffers second ACL tear in 13 months, ending rookie season

Jonathon Brooks' season ends with a second ACL tear

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks suffered a devastating setback on Sunday, tearing his ACL for the second time in just over a year. The rookie was injured during the team’s 22-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing his first NFL season to an abrupt end. The injury occurred on his only carry of the game, resulting in a loss of three yards.

Jonathon Brooks faces second major recovery

This marks Brooks’ second ACL injury to his right knee in 13 months. He originally tore it during a Texas Longhorns victory over TCU in November 2023. The Panthers selected Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, recognizing his potential despite the injury. In his final college season, Brooks tallied 1,139 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 286 receiving yards in just 11 games, showcasing his dual-threat abilities.

A timeline for Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks:

November 2023 – Tore his ACL
November 2024 – Returned to action
December 2024 – Re-tore his ACL

Expect Brooks to miss the entire 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/hH8t2n9nC8
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 9, 2024

Head coach Dave Canales expressed his sorrow for Jonathon Brooks. “My heart is with him. Just the amount of hard work that he put in to get back to this place, to get him to play. He’s heartbroken. I’m heartbroken. The whole group just feeling for him,” Canales said on Monday.

Teammates rally around Brooks

Chuba Hubbard, who has been carrying the Panthers’ rushing attack, voiced support for his teammate. “JB is my guy. Just to see how hard he’s worked to get back and all the work he’s put in, obviously your mind wants to go to a bunch of different places. But you just turn to God in these types of moments. [Brooks] has resilience. He’ll fight back.”

For the second time in 13 months, Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks tore the ACL in his right knee. Brooks went down on a non-contact injury Sunday vs. the Eagles. He tore his ACL at Texas on Nov. 11, 2023. pic.twitter.com/fBbKAG36yD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2024

Hubbard has been critical for Carolina’s offense, recently becoming the first Panther to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season since Christian McCaffrey in 2019. However, injuries have left the running back depth chart thin.

Raheem Blackshear, primarily used on special teams, suffered a chest injury and is listed as day-to-day. Backup Miles Sanders remains on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Mike Boone, currently on the practice squad, could see action in the coming games.

Brooks’ NFL debut cut short

Brooks made his long-awaited NFL debut on November 24 against the Kansas City Chiefs, rushing for seven yards on two carries. The Panthers eased him into action after a year-long recovery. He followed up with six carries for 18 yards and three receptions in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before his season-ending injury.

What’s next for the Panthers and Jonathon Brooks?

Surgery will confirm the extent of Brooks’ latest injury and determine the timeline for his recovery. Historically, players recovering from a second ACL tear face a longer rehabilitation process. Brooks’ focus now shifts to a potential return in 2025.

Canales emphasized the team’s support, saying, “We’ll be there every step of the way with him, supporting him with this, through this journey.”

Jonathon Brooks –

Attempts to cut off of his Right foot and goes down with a non-contact injury.
Right knee. Hopefully it’s not a retear of his prior Right ACL injury last season, but the mechanism fits.
Obviously don’t love seeing this…
pic.twitter.com/oVWmiDQ25g
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 8, 2024

The Panthers, now 3-10, aim to finish their season strong. With games remaining against the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons, they have opportunities to play spoiler in the NFC playoff race. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young has shown improvement and offers hope for the team’s future.

The loss of Brooks is a blow to Carolina’s long-term plans, but his resilience and talent keep the team optimistic about his eventual return.

Image: Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

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