Coach Dave Canales' Carolina Panthers made some changes leading into Week 2's game against the Atlanta Falcons and the result was a huge 34-3 win. Running backs Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks combined for a workmanlike 17 carries and 69 yards as Canales watched a GOAT defensive performance unfold.

Following the game, Brooks' health was given an update.

Brooks, who first played for the Panthers in 2024 and missed 2025 before rejoining the team this season, “aggravated a groin injury that sidelined him at the end of training camp,” according to Panthers reporter Joe Person of The Athletic. Person added that Brooks is listed as “day-to-day” going forward.

Brooks and the Panthers' offense performed admirably against the Falcons, but the defense performed even better. One week after Canales made a defensive roster move, Carolina forced five turnovers including two interceptions from Cooper Rush and one from his backup, Jack Strand.

Carolina had just 68 rushing yards, but quarterback Bryce Young played like the elite level talent the Panthers drafted him to be out of Alabama. Young completed 23-of-36 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions.

On a banner day for the passing game and the defense, Brooks injury became a dark cloud. Brooks is a loyal, team player with a potentially bright future ahead of him, and he could be a huge help on September 27 in Cleveland against the Browns in Week 3. The Panthers recovered from Week 1's loss in the best possible way, sparking hopes for a 2-1 start and another win for coach Canales and his tough-minded team.