Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks’ rookie season has came to an end after just three games recorded for the running back from Texas. The second-round pick suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Dave Canales confirmed on Monday. Brooks will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the 2024 season
This marks Brooks’ second ACL injury in a span of just 13 months, a devastating blow for the former Texas Longhorn standout. Brooks tore his ACL in the last game of the regular 2023 season while with the Longhorns against Texas Tech. He was unable to play in the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff against Washington. He was selected No. 46 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
Brooks was activated in Week 12 and had carried the ball nine times this season. On Sunday, he went down after taking a pitch, crumpling to the ground in visible pain. It was a heartbreaking moment for the promising rookie, who had begun to showcase his trademark power in limited opportunities.
“My heart is with him,” Canales said during a press conference. “He’s heartbroken, I’m heartbroken. The whole group is just feeling for him. We’ll be here every step of the way with him, supporting him through this journey. He knows how to do this. He’ll be able to attack it, and his focus is just going to shift in terms of what he’s competing for.”
Jonathon Brooks tore his ACL again‼️
Now what? pic.twitter.com/wQaEtGVOix
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) December 10, 2024
The 2024 campaign has been an uphill battle for the Panthers, and losing Brooks adds to the team’s woes. For Brooks, another lengthy rehab process lies ahead as he works toward a comeback.