What happened: The Carolina Panthers are hosting veteran running back Austin Ekeler for a Wednesday workout. The move comes after rookie Jonathon Brooks underwent core muscle surgery that will sideline him for more than a month.

Why it matters: Ekeler provides a potential veteran presence alongside Chuba Hubbard and AJ Dillon. The 31-year-old spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before a brief stint with the Washington Commanders that ended with an Achilles tear last September.

What to watch: Carolina will assess Ekeler's health and explosiveness before deciding whether to sign him to the active roster.