We might finally get to see the debut of the Panthers second round pick on Sunday.
Carolina Panthers head coach announced that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks would be activated off the PUP list and will be on the 53 man roster for the Panthers game against the Giants in Germany. The Panthers had until 4:00 today to activate Brooks or he’d be placed on season ending injured reserve. Canales said Brooks’ status in terms of being active for the game would be determined later in the week, but David Newton seems to think Brooks is going to play.
Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks is expected to make his NFL debut next week against the Giants in Germany. OLB D.J. Wonnon is expected to make his Carolina debut in that game, and WR Adam Thielen is expected to return from injury — unless he’s a last-minute trade.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) November 3, 2024
If Brooks does play, he’ll likely play a complementary role to Chuba Hubbard and eat into Miles Sanders’ snaps as the backup. If he is anything like the player he was in college, he’ll provide some explosive pop to a backfield that is currently lacking in that regard.
Brooks isn’t the only player coming back just in time for the stretch run. Lineman DJ Wonnum and Jaden Crumedy are practicing fully and look set to make their season debuts. Jordan Fuller and Tommy Tremble are also back at practice after missing a few games with hamstring and back injuries respectively. Adam Thielen didn’t practice on Wednesday but there is seemingly a chance that he’ll be back sooner rather than later.
With the Panthers at 2-7, any hope for the season is long gone, but getting some semblance of a healthy roster will at least make the team more watchable and give Panthers fans something to root for from now until the end of the season.