Jonathon Brooks finally got the moment he’d been waiting for Friday night.
In Carolina’s preseason matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Panthers running back punched in the first touchdown of his NFL career, a milestone that came after a start to his pro journey slowed by injuries. Brooks had been limited to three games in his rookie season in 2024, and ACL injuries kept him off the field for all of 2025.
The score came midway through the first quarter, with Carolina sitting at the one-yard line. Brooks took the handoff and finished the drive, giving the Panthers a touchdown and giving himself a long-awaited breakthrough after a frustrating stretch.
That was part of a productive night for Carolina in a 34-17 win over Jacksonville. The Panthers led 7-3 after the opening quarter, then kept building from there, scoring in every period and outscoring the Jaguars 27-14 over the final 45 minutes of regulation.
Jonathon Brooks’ first NFL touchdown. pic.twitter.com/EaNNfyoamc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2026
Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett and Kyle Trask all saw time at quarterback, and Carolina’s offense moved well with the trio rotating through. The running game and passing game both found room to work, with multiple Panthers finding the end zone.
Brooks finished with five carries for 18 yards and the touchdown. Jimmy Horn Jr. and Anthony Tyus III each added 39 rushing yards, while AJ Dillon scored on one of his five carries. Through the air, Casey Washington and Roc Taylor each hauled in touchdown passes.
Carolina will close out its preseason at home against the Houston Texans on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. ET.
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