The Carolina Panthers entered Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles with three active running backs. They only had one remaining after the first quarter.
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Raheem Blackshear suffered a chest injury early in Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field. He was taken to the locker room and was ultimately downgraded to Out.
Jonathon Brooks went down during the first quarter of the game after taking the handoff from Bryce Young. This was a non-contact injury. He started to limp off the field but had to receive assistance from the training staff.
Brooks went to the blue medical tent before being carted to the locker room. The Panthers said that he was doubtful to return with a knee injury.
Brooks, who tore his ACL last season while playing for the University of Texas, entered the league as a second-round pick in the NFL Draft. He missed the majority of the season but made his debut on Nov. 24 against the Chiefs. He carried the ball two times for seven yards.
The rookie running back returned to the lineup on Dec. 1 against the Buccaneers. He carried six times for 18 yards while continuing to serve as a depth option for the team.
The Panthers are particularly shorthanded at running back as the end of the season approaches. Miles Sanders was injured during the Nov. 10 game against the Giants in Germany. The team placed him on Injured Reserve on Nov. 23. He will not be eligible to return until after the Dec. 15 game against the Cowboys.
Wide receiver Xavier Legette also visited the blue medical tent on Sunday afternoon. He initially caught a pass from Young on third-and-10, but Eagles defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson hit him from behind with a vicious — but clean — hit. This jarred the ball loose and forced a punt.
Legette later returned to the lineup as the Panthers continued trying to deliver an upset win in enemy territory.
