New NFL Rumors on Austin Ekeler's Panthers Workout, Contract Talks After Jonathon Brooks Injury

Free-agent running back Austin Ekeler's workout for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday "went well," according to ESPN's Mike Kaye.

However, Ekeler won't sign with the Panthers for the time being, Kaye reported.

Carolina is searching for more help at running back after placing Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve due to core muscle surgery.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales revealed that Brooks will miss six to eight weeks, per Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer.

With second-year running back Trevor Etienne also on injured reserve, AJ Dillon is the only available depth option behind starter Chuba Hubbard on Carolina's active roster.

Ekeler would bring plenty of experience to the Panthers' backfield. He's appeared in 117 games throughout his nine years in the NFL.

The majority of his career has been spent with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he established himself as a threat on the ground and through the air.

From 2019-23, Ekeler amassed 6,742 all-purpose yards and 58 total touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per touch in Los Angeles. He surpassed 400 receiving yards in each season across that span.

Ekeler eventually joined the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2024 season and entered his 2025 campaign as the team's starting running back, but suffered a torn Achilles in Week 2.

The 31-year-old missed the remainder of the season before he was fully cleared for all football activities on April 30, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston.

Even though the Panthers won't sign Ekeler on Wednesday, an agreement can still be reached at a later date.

Carolina is currently preparing for a Week 3 matchup with a Cleveland Browns squad that ranks No. 26 in the NFL by allowing 131.5 rush yards per game this season.

The Panthers and Browns will face off on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.