On a pivotal day in the 2025 offseason, the Carolina Panthers made a significant move by placing running back Jonathon Brooks on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This decision came as a result of a severe setback in Brooks’ career: an ACL injury that has now plagued him for two consecutive seasons. As he continues to recover, it’s clear that this injury will sideline him for the entire 2025 season.
For Jonathon Brooks, this marks a crucial moment in what was once a promising career. The Panthers’ choice to place him on the PUP list signifies that the team is allowing him the necessary time to recover, but it also raises serious questions about his long-term future in the NFL.
The story of Brooks’ unfortunate injury history provides a context for understanding the importance of this decision, as well as the broader implications for both the player and the franchise. In this deep dive, we’ll examine Brooks’ career, his battle with injuries, the impact of his absence on the Carolina Panthers, and what the future holds for the former standout running back.
Before the injuries began to derail his career, Jonathon Brooks was seen as one of the more exciting young running backs in the league. After being drafted by the Panthers, he quickly became known for his explosive running style, his vision, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Brooks seemed poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL, combining speed, agility, and power in ways that few others could match.
Brooks’ first season with the Panthers was promising, and he showcased his talents, quickly earning the trust of the coaching staff. He displayed the kind of playmaking ability that made him one of the top rookies in the league, and many analysts predicted he would be a cornerstone of the Panthers’ offense for years to come.
However, as is often the case in the brutal and unforgiving world of professional football, the road to stardom is never as straightforward as it seems. Despite his immense potential, Brooks was struck by an injury that would drastically alter the course of his career.
During Week 14 of the 2024 NFL season, disaster struck for Jonathon Brooks. A seemingly routine play turned into a nightmare when he tore the ACL in his left knee. It was a devastating blow to both Brooks and the Panthers, as he was starting to come into his own as one of the team’s primary offensive weapons.
An ACL tear is one of the most feared injuries for any athlete, and it is particularly challenging for a running back, whose career depends heavily on speed, agility, and the ability to make quick cuts. In Brooks’ case, this injury was especially tragic because it was his second ACL tear in as many years. The first occurred during his college career, which made the second tear even more difficult to overcome.
In the aftermath of the injury, the Panthers placed Brooks on the injured reserve list and provided him with the time and resources necessary to recover. Though he showed resilience in his recovery, the mental and physical toll of the injury was significant, and his absence was sorely felt by the Panthers’ offense.
As the 2025 offseason progressed, Jonathon Brooks worked tirelessly to recover from his previous injury. He was optimistic about returning to the field and contributing to the Panthers’ offense. However, during training camp, the worst-case scenario occurred: Brooks suffered another ACL tear, this time in his right knee.
For the second consecutive year, Brooks found himself facing the same excruciating reality. His right knee, the one that had been spared during his first ACL tear, had now suffered the same fate as his left knee. The psychological and emotional toll on Brooks was immeasurable. The young running back had already gone through the grueling process of rehabilitation once, and now he would have to do it all over again.
This second ACL tear, paired with the fact that it had occurred in a different knee, made it impossible for the Panthers to count on him for the 2025 season. They had no choice but to place him on the PUP list, officially sidelining him for the year. The PUP list designation means that Brooks will not be able to participate in any practices or games for the entirety of the season, but it also provides him with the necessary time to focus on his rehabilitation.
The decision to place Jonathon Brooks on the PUP list has significant ramifications for the Carolina Panthers’ roster. Brooks had been expected to be a key component of the team’s offensive strategy in 2025, so his absence leaves a void at the running back position.
Without Brooks, the Panthers will need to rely more heavily on their other running backs. The team’s backfield depth will be tested, and it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff adjusts the offense to account for the loss of such a dynamic player. Running backs who were once seen as supporting players may now be called upon to shoulder a heavier load, which could lead to a shift in offensive philosophy.
For the Panthers, this injury presents a unique challenge. While they have capable players on the roster, none possess the same combination of explosiveness and versatility that Brooks brought to the field. The Panthers may need to rethink their approach to the running game, focusing more on committee-based schemes or incorporating more passing plays to make up for the loss of a true feature back.
The future for Jonathon Brooks now hinges on his ability to recover from this second ACL tear and return to the field. His story is one of perseverance, but also one of uncertainty. Two consecutive ACL tears are rare, and while many players do return to form after one such injury, few are able to come back fully from two.
For Brooks, the road to recovery will be arduous. Rehabilitation from an ACL tear is a long and grueling process, and doing it twice in two years only makes it more challenging. Despite the physical strain, the mental hurdles may be just as difficult to overcome. Brooks will need to stay focused, determined, and committed to his recovery, but he will also need to rely on his support system, both within the Panthers’ organization and from his family and friends.
While there is hope that Brooks can return to form, it remains to be seen whether he can regain the same burst and explosiveness that made him a highly touted prospect. The team’s medical staff will need to monitor his progress closely, and Brooks will likely face a series of setbacks and challenges along the way. However, if he can fully recover, there is still potential for him to make an impact in the NFL.
As much as physical recovery plays a role in an athlete’s return from injury, the mental and emotional aspect cannot be understated. For Jonathon Brooks, the psychological toll of suffering two ACL tears in as many years could be significant. The frustration, self-doubt, and fear of never returning to his previous level of play are natural emotions that every athlete faces when confronted with such a devastating injury.
Brooks has already shown that he possesses mental fortitude. His ability to come back from the first ACL tear and work his way back onto the field demonstrates a level of perseverance that many players lack. However, the question remains: can he summon the same level of strength and determination to overcome the second injury?
The emotional aspect of recovering from an injury is often underestimated, but for Brooks, his mental approach will be just as crucial as his physical rehabilitation. If he can stay focused, maintain a positive attitude, and trust the process, he will give himself the best chance to return to form.
Jonathon Brooks’ injury complicates the long-term outlook for the Carolina Panthers. While the team can afford to give him the time he needs to recover, the franchise must also begin to consider its options moving forward. If Brooks is unable to return to full health or reach the level of play he once had, the Panthers may need to look elsewhere for a running back to build their offense around.
The Panthers could consider drafting or signing another running back in the upcoming years, ensuring they have a stable presence in the backfield should Brooks’ recovery be less than expected. With running backs being integral to the success of any NFL offense, the team must be prepared for the possibility that Brooks’ career could be derailed by these back-to-back injuries.
The decision to place Jonathon Brooks on the PUP list for the 2025 season marks a bittersweet moment in his young career. What was once seen as a bright future for the running back is now clouded by injury and uncertainty. However, this story is not over. Brooks has shown resilience in the face of adversity, and the Panthers will continue to support him in his recovery. The road ahead is long and filled with challenges, but there remains hope that, with time and dedication, Brooks can overcome these setbacks and return to the field as the dynamic player the Panthers once envisioned.
For now, the Panthers’ focus must shift to making the most of their current roster and adapting their offensive strategies. But in the back of their minds, they’ll be hoping for the day when Brooks can once again take the field and fulfill the potential that made him one of the most exciting prospects to come to Carolina in recent years.
