Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is one step closer to making his NFL debut. The Panthers are set to open his 21-day practice window, setting up a prepared activation from the non-football injury list, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Carolina did not officially make the move on Monday, but head coach Dave Canales told reporters a practice debut is imminent. This will be a welcome development for a Panthers team still in the early stages of a rebuild, and Brooks is expected to play a key role in that plan.
The 46th overall pick back in April, Brooks tore his ACL in late 2023, which damaged but did not plummet his draft stock. The Panthers still took him in the second round as the potential future of their backfield, a decision that drew criticism considering Carolina’s other needs and lack of future draft capital after the Bryce Young trade. No other team chose a running back in the first or second round this year, illustrating Carolina’s confidence in Brooks’ talents.
Brooks began the season on the NFI list, with the Panthers prioritizing his long-term health over a speedy return. Chuba Hubbard has excelled as Carolina’s lead back in the meantime, ranking third in rushing yards (485), second in success rate (64.0%), and fifth in yards per attempt (5.6). Hubbard’s early success should allow Brooks to slowly build up his workload as he adjusts to the NFL and acclimates to Canales’ offense.
At 1-5, the Panthers need all the help they can get, but Brooks’ return will do little to kickstart an anemic offense that has struggled with poor quarterback play and offensive line injuries this year. The Texas product should be a bigger pass-catching threat out of the backfield, as both Hubbard and Miles Sanders have yet to crack 100 receiving yards on the year.
Once he is designated for return, Brooks will have 21 days to be added to the Panthers’ 53-man roster. Otherwise, he will revert to season-ending injured reserve, though that would only happen with a significant health setback.