Jonathon Brooks's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is set to make his NFL debut this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to David Newton of ESPN. The second-round selection in this year's NFL draft has been sidelined all season due to suffering a torn ACL last November during his final season at Texas. Brooks was able to log three consecutive full practice sessions this week, which suggests he may be given a solid workload in his NFL debut. However, the 21-year-old will likely split time with presumed No.1 option Chuba Hubbard during the remainder of the season, limiting each other's fantasy ceiling. For now, fantasy managers should still view Hubbard as a solid RB2, with Brooks projecting it as a low-end flex option, facing a tough Kansas City run defense.UPDATE: Brooks is listed as questionable but is expected to play on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is well on his way to making his NFL debut this weekend against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Brooks put in another day of full practice on Thursday and is fully expected to be the backup to lead back Chuba Hubbard in Week 12. The 21-year-old also practiced in full before the Week 10 win over the New York Giants in Germany, but the Panthers held him out as a precaution going into their bye. Because Brooks will take a back seat to Hubbard in his debut, he won't be a realistic starting fantasy option in his debut. However, the former Texas RB and first RB off the board in this year's draft has plenty of long-term upside in Carolina and will at least be a worthwhile handcuff for those that have Hubbard the rest of the season. Miles Sanders (ankle) is expected to sit out this weekend and could be the RB3 when he's healthy.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he wants to see rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) play confident and fast when he makes his NFL debut, and he will be working behind Chuba Hubbard when he plays in his first NFL contest this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, Miles Sanders (ankle, foot) isn't expected to play in Week 12, so Brooks should serve as the backup to Hubbard. The 21-year-old Brooks hasn't played all year while recovering from an ACL tear he suffered last year in college, but he's practicing in full on Wednesday and should be active this Sunday. Hubbard has earned lead-back duties for Carolina with another strong season in 2024, which means Brooks will probably be in line for backup duties the rest of the way in his rookie season, making him mostly a bench stash and handcuff in fantasy.

Carolina Panthers second-round rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is expected to make his NFL debut in Week 12 on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to head coach Dave Canales. Brooks was close to making his NFL debut in Germany in the Week 10 win over the New York Giants, but the Panthers ultimately decided to hold him out through the Week 11 bye. The 21-year-old was the first RB taken in this year's draft but has been recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in his final year in college in 2023. Brooks has intriguing qualities as a runner and figures to be the team's long-term answer at the position in the long term, but he'll surely be eased in for his debut this weekend behind Chuba Hubbard, who has had a fantastic year as Carolina's lead RB. Brooks won't be a recommended fantasy starter in Week 12, but he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy leagues.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the New York Giants in Germany. The rookie was activated from the non-football list earlier this week. While Brooks did log three full practices in a row, the Panthers are being extra cautious and holding him out one more game. He'll get extra time to prepare for NFL action during the Panthers' bye before making his NFL debut in Week 12. Even when Brooks returns, it looks like Chuba Hubbard will be the primary running back in Carolina.