Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

When asked by the media about rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales did not provide the most jovial of outlooks. Specifically, Canales was asked if it was possible for Brooks not to play this year. "It could be," said the first-year head coach, "but again, we're just going to take it week to week for now, and I'm really hopeful he can stack another good week and see what we got there." It's not exactly a shining endorsement for the second-round pick, but Canales also noted that he wants to make sure he's "fully confident and ready to go" and thinks that's "another week." The door remains open for Brooks to make his NFL debut in 2024. However, it may still be a few weeks away. At 1-6, Carolina hasn't exactly been in a position to rush him.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Thielen was able to get through a few limited practices this week, but the team has decided to hold him out for at least one more game. This is not good news for quarterback Bryce Young who will be without both Thielen and Diontae Johnson (ribs) on Sunday. That being said, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Jonathan Mingo are going to be the primary receivers for Young. None of them have brought much to the table recently. Hopefully Thielen can return next game as it looks like he is making progress.

Carolina Panthers tight ends Ja'Tavion Sanders (groin, wrist) and Tommy Tremble (back) were both limited participants in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. With Tremble inactive last weekend, Sanders was one of the few bright spots for the Panthers on offense in their 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching all six of his targets for 61 yards. However, the 21-year-old could struggle to replicate those numbers in Week 8 versus a strong Denver Broncos defense on the road this Sunday, especially with second-year quarterback Bryce Young back in as the starter following an injury to Andy Dalton (thumb). In addition, Sanders probably won't see as many snaps on offense if Tremble is able to return to the fold this weekend. Sanders has only 19 receptions on 24 targets for 151 scoreless yards in his first seven NFL games in 2024.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice for the second straight day this week after his 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve was officially opened on Wednesday. Thielen will be eligible to come off Injured Reserve to play in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos after missing the required four games, but it remains to be seen if the Panthers feel that the 34-year-old veteran has made enough progress to play on Sunday. He's likely to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. Thielen's status will be even more important with Diontae Johnson's (rib) Week 8 status in question after two DNPs this week. If Thielen remains out and Johnson is also out or limited against Denver, quarterback Bryce Young might have rookie Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo as his top two wideouts.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week. Brooks is making progress from a torn ACL that he suffered late last year while in college, but he's not guaranteed to be activated from the Non-Football Injury list to make his NFL debut this Sunday in Denver against the Broncos. And even if the 21-year-old is activated on Saturday and active on Sunday, he figures to be eased into Carolina's backfield alongside lead back Chuba Hubbard and veteran backup Miles Sanders. With that said, the first RB off the board in April's NFL draft should absolutely be rostered in all fantasy formats, especially now that he's nearing his NFL debut. By season's end, Brooks should have a pretty substantial role in the Panthers' backfield as long as he stays healthy.