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

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday as the team prepares for their Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Brooks had his 21-day practice window opened last week but ultimately wasn't activated from Injured Reserve to make his NFL debut in the Week 7 blowout loss to the Washington Commanders. The 21-year-old second-round selection is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last year in college, but he could make his debut this Sunday in Denver if he makes progress in practice this week. The RB selected in April's draft should be rostered in all fantasy formats and has the ability to demand a sizeable workload next to Chuba Hubbard in Carolina's backfield by season's end. If Brooks is active against Denver, we'd recommend keeping him on the bench as the Panthers likely ease him in.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) was limited in Friday's practice but has been ruled out and won't make his NFL debut this weekend versus the Washington Commanders. Brooks made his return to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last November while playing in college at Texas, so the 21-year-old wasn't realistically expected to play in Week 7. However, the 46th overall pick in this year's draft (the first RB off the board), could become a big part of Carolina's backfield alongside Chuba Hubbard later this year once he gets up to speed. Brooks will need to make more progress in practice next week to have a shot to make his debut for the Panthers in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. He's worth stashing in all fantasy 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.