PANTHERS TRIAL AUSTIN EKELER AFTER JONATHON BROOKS INJURY

The Carolina Panthers had free agent running back Austin Ekeler work out for the team, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, who cited league sources speaking to KPRC 2. The move follows an injury to Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks, who left the team's Week 2 match against the Atlanta Falcons with what was later diagnosed as a core muscle injury. Wilson reported that Ekeler has been fully medically cleared after tearing his Achilles tendon last season while playing for the Washington Commanders. Ekeler's two-year contract with Washington expired this offseason, leaving him a free agent. Whether Carolina signs him is reported to depend on the outcome of his workout.

Wilson's report describes Ekeler as a former Los Angeles Chargers player who led the NFL in touchdowns twice during his career. According to figures cited in the report, Ekeler has rushed for 4,765 career yards and 43 touchdowns, and caught 480 passes for 4,288 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was limited to two appearances for Washington last season after being carted off the field in a Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers.

NFL reporter Ian Rapoport said Brooks is expected to undergo surgery to repair the core muscle injury, a procedure that will place him on injured reserve for at least six weeks, with Rapoport adding that Brooks should return in time to contribute later in the season. Carolina's running back depth has also been affected by Trevor Etienne, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a Grade 2 ankle sprain in the preseason finale against the Houston Texans. With both players sidelined, the Panthers' running back options are reported to be limited to Chuba Hubbard and offseason addition AJ Dillon.