Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday. He had been limited on Wednesday, so this development should be considered a step in the right direction. One would have to imagine that Tremble will clear concussion protocol in time to suit up for Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. He'll presumably re-enter the Panthers' offense as their No. 2 tight end behind Ja'Tavion Sanders, keeping him off the fantasy radar in most leagues.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) did not practice on Thursday following his limited practice session on Wednesday. The rookie out of Texas had his practice window opened this week, but the belief is he will not make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL, and with the Panthers sitting a 1-5 through Week 6, there's no reason to rush him into action. Additionally, Chuba Hubbard has been excellent in the RB1 role, so the team isn't in dire need of running back production. Fantasy managers should follow his status through the rest of the week, but a Week 8 or Week 9 return seems more realistic for the first RB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Tremble missed the Panthers' Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to his injury. His limited participation in practice this early in the week suggests that he is progressing well through the NFL's concussion protocol. Tremble has been virtually irrelevant for fantasy in 2024. In four games played this season, he only has seven receptions for 59 yards and a fumble lost. The Carolina Panthers offense has focused more on the wide receivers and running back Chuba Hubbard (rest). Even if Tremble suits up this weekend, leave him on the waiver wire.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is practicing for the first time this season following the team opening his practice window earlier this week. The Texas product has missed the first six games of his rookie season following an ACL tear in November of last year, but he is trending toward making his NFL debut soon. Brooks was selected as the first running back off the board in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft after his final collegiate season which saw him post over 1,400 yards from scrimmage in just 10 games. He should be expected to be involved in Carolina's offense when he is activated to the gameday roster, but there is speculation that he could have to wait until Week 8 or 9 to play in his first game at the NFL level. Fantasy managers with Brooks stashed should monitor his status, but it would be surprising if he plays against the Commanders in Week 7. For now, Chuba Hubbard remains a strong starting option in fantasy lineups.UPDATE: Brooks was officially limited in Wednesday's practice.

The Carolina Panthers are opening running back Jonathon Brooks' (knee) practice window this week, but according to Joe Person of The Athletic, the team is likely not going to rush him into game action. Person said a Week 9 return for the home game against the New Orleans Saints is a "realistic target" for Brooks to begin his NFL career. The organization knew Brooks would not be ready to start his rookie season following a late 2023 ACL tear at Texas, and Chuba Hubbard has been excellent as the lead back thus far. Carolina is far from a Super Bowl or playoff contender, so they will likely play it safe with Brooks. When Brooks returns, he'll likely share touches with Hubbard and be eased into action, but hopefully, he'll be a flex-worthy fantasy football option late in the season and for the fantasy football playoffs. Managers who are stashing him will likely have to wait a bit longer for him to make an impact.