Jonathon Brooks
Running Back #24
Jonathon Brooks News
Panthers Could Open Jonathon Brooks' Practice Window This Week
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the team could "potentially" open the 21-day practice window for running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen) to return from Injured Reserve this week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. However, Canales said that Brooks still has some things he needs to clear recovery-wise. The 23-year-old former second-rounder from Texas has not played since undergoing core-muscle surgery on Sept. 23, but he is now technically eligible to come off IR to give Carolina more backfield depth. Brooks carried a lot of buzz in the summer during training camp and the preseason after recovering from a second torn ACL in his knee, but the injury bug bit him again after he played in just two games to begin the 2026 season. In those two games, Brooks had only nine carries for 30 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and added two catches for 43 yards in the passing game. When he returns, he should operate as the clear backup to Chuba Hubbard, who has been outstanding for Carolina through eight weeks. Despite missing four games, Brooks is rostered in 38% of Yahoo leagues as an RB handcuff.
Nov 2, 2026 11:16 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks is Worth Stashing with Return Looming
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen) has not played since Week 2, but he'll hopefully get back on the field soon. Recently, head coach Dave Canales said Brooks was trending in the right direction. The 23-year-old remains on the Injured Reserve right now, so his chances of playing in Week 8 are slim. It wouldn't be shocking to see Brooks back within the next few games, given the fact that he is making progress. He figures to eat into Chuba Hubbard's playing time once Brooks is cleared to play. Fantasy managers who can afford to be patient should consider stashing Brooks, with his return hopefully coming soon.
Oct 26, 2026 6:30 PM EST
Jonathon Brooks "Trending in the Right Direction"
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Friday that running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen), who is on Injured Reserve, is "trending in the right direction," according to Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer. Brooks was seen jogging during the team's practice on Thursday and is making progress after having core-muscle surgery early in the 2026 season. Continued injury issues for Brooks have made Chuba Hubbard one of the biggest fantasy football values so far this year. Brooks is a stash candidate off the waiver wire for fantasy managers who need more depth at the position, but he probably will not be a realistic candidate to come off IR to play in the Week 8 contest on Thursday against the Green Bay Packers. The 23-year-old former second-rounder from Texas has played in just five of a possible 38 regular-season games since he entered the league. In two games this year before his core-muscle injury, Brooks handled nine carries for only 30 yards and caught two of his three targets for 43 yards through the air. Right now, he is being stashed in 41% of Yahoo leagues.
Oct 23, 2026 8:53 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks Spotted Jogging at Thursday's Practice
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) was spotted jogging at Thursday's practice, according to Sheena Quick, an encouraging development in his recovery from a core-muscle injury. Brooks aggravated a lingering groin issue during Carolina's Week 2 victory over Atlanta and underwent surgery after being placed on injured reserve September 23. Head coach Dave Canales initially estimated a six-to-eight-week recovery period, so Thursday's activity shouldn't be confused with a return to regular practice. The 23-year-old has appeared in just five NFL games since being selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, having previously endured two ACL tears. He managed nine carries for 30 yards and two receptions for 43 yards in two appearances this season before getting hurt. Chuba Hubbard continues to lead Carolina's backfield, while AJ Dillon (ankle) is dealing with an injury of his own. Trevor Etienne (ankle) also had his practice window opened earlier this week. Brooks remains without a confirmed return date, and his immediate redraft value is limited until there's more substantial progress in his recovery.
Oct 15, 2026 11:55 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks Could Miss Eight Weeks After Undergoing Core Muscle Surge
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that the timeline for running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) to return after undergoing core muscle surgery is six to eight weeks, per Steve Reed of The Associated Press. Per Reed, Canales said that the return timeline with or without the surgery "would have been about the same," prompting the team to take the surgical route. It's the latest in a long line of injury setbacks for Brooks, who has appeared in just five games since Carolina selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Across two games in 2026 before getting injured, the 23-year-old recorded nine carries for 30 yards and two catches for 43 yards on three targets. With Brooks sidelined, Panthers RB1 Chuba Hubbard could take on an even larger share of the team's backfield work. Carolina also hosted veteran running back Austin Ekeler for a workout on Wednesday, but no deal between the two parties has been announced yet.
Sep 23, 2026 12:10 PM EST
Jonathon Brooks to Undergo Core Muscle Surgery, Set to Miss at Least Six Weeks
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (core) is set to undergo core muscle surgery, which will place him on the injured reserve. Per Rapoport, the young running back is expected to miss at least six weeks, but should be able to contribute down the stretch. This is a tough blow for Brooks, who has dealt with many serious injuries throughout his career. He joined the Panthers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft but has appeared in only five regular-season games in his career, two of them being this season. In Week 1, Brooks took only four carries but made a splash in the receiving game, catching one pass for 48 yards. In Week 2, Brooks took only five carries before exiting early. With Brooks now in line to miss nearly half of the season, Chuba Hubbard should operate as the clear workhorse and carry weekly RB2 upside given his projected workload.
Sep 23, 2026 3:56 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks Considered Week-to-Week
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) is now considered week-to-week while he gets second opinions on his groin injury, a source told Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Brooks first injured his groin in training camp and then tweaked it again in the Week 2 win over the division-rival Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The 23-year-old had four carries for 14 yards and caught one of his two targets for a 48-yard pickup in the Week 1 loss to the Carolina Panthers, and carried the ball five times for 16 yards with one catch for a loss of five yards in Week 2 before being pulled. The former second-rounder from Texas has already suffered two torn ACLs in his short time in the NFL, and he just has not been able to stay healthy. If he is forced to miss any time, starting in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Chuba Hubbard will become a must-start in fantasy football. AJ Dillon would likely become the RB2 for Carolina behind Hubbard. Fantasy managers who took Brooks as a sleeper to eventually take over the Panthers' backfield in 2026 have to be disappointed with the start he has had through two games.
Sep 21, 2026 1:30 PM EST
Jonathon Brooks Undergoing Further Testing on Groin
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) is undergoing further testing Monday, according to Nick Carboni. Brooks aggravated the same groin injury that sidelined him late in training camp during Sunday's 34-3 win over Atlanta. Head coach Dave Canales called him day-to-day after the game and said the team would have more information as the week went on. Brooks finished with five carries for 16 yards and one catch for minus-five yards before leaving in the fourth quarter. Carolina has not given a timetable for his return, so his status for Sunday's Week 3 game at Cleveland remains up in the air.
Sep 21, 2026 11:54 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks Day-to-Day After Aggrivating Injury in Week 2
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) is considered day-to-day per head coach Dave Canales, The Athletic's Joe Person reported via the X platform on Sunday. Brooks, who sustained the injury during training camp, had five carries for 16 yards before signaling for a trainer and exiting Sunday's 34-3 win against the Atlanta Falcons. Fellow back Chuba Hubbard did the heavy lifting for Carolina's ground attack in the victory, logging 12 carries for 53 yards. Brooks had just four carries for 14 yards in the Week 1 and has yet to score a touchdown in 2026.
Sep 20, 2026 12:42 PM EST
Jonathon Brooks Questionable to Return With Groin Injury
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Atlanta. According to Mike Kaye, Brooks signaled for a trainer immediately after his last carry before walking to the tunnel with three staff members. The Panthers have since announced that he is dealing with a groin injury. Brooks had five carries for 16 yards before leaving the game. Chuba Hubbard had already handled most of the backfield work, rushing 12 times for 53 yards, and would remain the clear lead option if Brooks can't return. AJ Dillon is next behind them on Carolina's depth chart.
Sep 20, 2026 11:58 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks Will Look to be More Involved in Week 2
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks will look for an expanded role in Sunday's Week 2 matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons. Brooks' usage was down in last Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 23-year-old rushed for 14 yards on four carries and caught one of two targets for 48 yards. He was out-touched by backfield teammate Chuba Hubbard, 13 to five, and had 13 offensive snaps compared to Hubbard's 48. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL and has only logged four games over his three-year career. Brooks should be more involved in Week 2 but is set to back up Hubbard again versus the Falcons. He comes in as RotoBaller's RB44, making him a FLEX play option at best in most leagues for Week 2.
Sep 18, 2026 7:14 PM EST
Jonathon Brooks Plays Second Fiddle for Panthers in Week 1
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks played a clear backup role behind Chuba Hubbard in a 59-37 Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. Brooks did have a highlight play on a 48-yard reception from quarterback Bryce Young, but he carried the ball just four times for 14 yards. Meanwhile, Hubbard recorded 10 carries for 49 yards and a rushing touchdown, in addition to three receptions for 38 yards and a receiving touchdown. According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks played just 13 offensive snaps compared to Hubbard's 48, which is a telling sign of the pecking order in Carolina's backfield. With that in mind, it was a high-scoring game that called for a lot of passing plays, and the Panthers had to play catch-up often. Brooks will have a Week 2 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, but as of right now, he shouldn't be viewed as more than a desperate flex option.
Sep 13, 2026 5:17 PM EST
Jonathon Brooks Off the Injury Report, Emerging as a FLEX Option For Week1
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Brooks was cleared to play after practicing throughout the week. According to Panthers head coach Dave Canales, he will face "no limitations" in reps. The 23-year-old missed all of last season with a torn ACL and has only logged three games over his two-year career. He will likely split carries with backfield teammate Chuba Hubbard (hamstring), who was also cleared after dealing with a hamstring injury since mid-August. Brooks will face a Bears defense that allowed 134.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 27th in the NFL last year. With a positive matchup, Brooks emerges as a FLEX option and is ranked 75th overall (RB32) for Week 1. Even with the split with Hubbard, Brooks should produce enough to be a solid option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Sep 11, 2026 4:34 PM EST
Jonathon Brooks Will Have "No Limitations" on Sunday
After fully participating in Friday's practice, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) has been cleared for Sunday's season opener against the Bears, and head coach Dave Canales says he will face "no limitations" in terms of rep count. Brooks missed the entirety of the 2025 season after tearing his ACL for the second time in December of 2024, but it was a groin issue that limited him to begin the week. With both injuries seemingly behind him, he will suit up for his first regular-season game in over 21 months, and he projects to split time with veteran Chuba Hubbard. The first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brooks has carried the ball only nine times in his professional career, but with neither he nor Hubbard carrying an injury designation into Sunday, Canales told reporters, "This is a tandem we've been thinking about for a very long time, and I'm excited to see those guys get out there and help our team." Still facing a difficult-to-predict Week 1 workload, Brooks is RotoBaller's RB32 for the week.
Sep 11, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks Set to Play in Week 1
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) does not have an injury designation on Friday and will play in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Things were trending this way with Brooks practicing all week, but now it is official. The 23-year-old former second-round pick in 2024 from Texas will be playing in just his fourth NFL game after tearing his ACL twice since entering the NFL. Carolina's backfield hierarchy is a bit unclear going into the season opener, but both Brooks and Chuba Hubbard should have sizeable roles in 2026. The Panthers talked Brooks up during training camp and the preseason, causing him to rise on fantasy draft boards, and as long as he stays healthy, he should be a weekly RB3/flex option with upside if he can finally stay healthy in the NFL. Both Brooks and Hubbard should be viewed as RB3/flexes for a difficult Week 1 matchup against the Bears' defense.
Sep 11, 2026 8:57 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks on Field for Third Straight Practice
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) was back in uniform and practicing with teammates Friday, according to Mike Kaye. That makes three straight practices for Brooks after he was still working off to the side earlier this week. He was officially limited Wednesday and Thursday, but the direction here has been positive. Brooks said Wednesday he expects to play against Chicago, and head coach Dave Canales said he's "very confident" the third-year back will be available. Friday's final injury report will tell us whether Brooks carries a designation into Sunday. Brooks hasn't played a regular-season snap since tearing his right ACL for the second time in December 2024, though he did get into two preseason games this summer. Chuba Hubbard sits atop Carolina's depth chart, and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said this week that Hubbard, Brooks and AJ Dillon have all earned roles and can be mixed and matched. Brooks looks increasingly likely to play, but his workload is still the part fantasy managers have to be careful with in Week 1.
Sep 11, 2026 7:43 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks Expected to Play Against Chicago
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to play in Sunday's season opener against Chicago. Brooks was back in uniform and pads at Wednesday's practice after spending recent sessions working off to the side with trainers because of general soreness. After practice, head coach Dave Canales said he is "very confident" Brooks will play, according to Joe Person. That's a significant step forward after Canales was taking Brooks' status day by day earlier in the week. The third-year back missed all of 2025 following his second right ACL tear but returned this summer and played in two preseason games. Carolina has never connected the recent soreness to a specific body part. With Brooks back in pads and Canales sounding confident afterward, he appears set to join Chuba Hubbard in the Panthers' backfield against the Bears.
Sep 9, 2026 11:51 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks in Full Uniform and Pads on Wednesday
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (soreness) was seen in full uniform and pads for Wednesday's practice, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. The Panthers have been playing it safe with Brooks heading into the start of the 2026 regular season after he already tore his ACL twice since being drafted by Carolina. He was practicing off to the side earlier this week, and this report for Kaye suggests that Brooks has a pretty good chance of suiting up for the Week 1 season opener this Sunday, Sept. 13, versus the Chicago Bears. Brooks could have a limited listing on the team's Wednesday practice report, but all signs are pointing to him sharing the Panthers' backfield with Chuba Hubbard this weekend as he looks to stay healthy for the first time since being drafted in the second round out of Texas in 2024. If the 23-year-old is active on Sunday, as expected, fantasy managers should consider him as an RB3/flex option in his first NFL game since the 2024 season.
Sep 9, 2026 10:46 AM EST
Jonathon Brooks' Stock Back on the Rise Amidst Improved Health Outlook
A second-round pick in 2024, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (undisclosed) has been limited by knee injuries to just three career games and nine career carries through his first two NFL seasons. The 23-year-old has also been working through an undisclosed injury that has prevented him from practicing in recent days, which is obviously a concern given his track record. However, Panthers coach Dave Canales recently said that the team is very optimistic that Brooks will be able to play in Week 1. Reporting throughout the summer also indicated that Brooks was impressive in training camp and that the team could be planning on him playing a significant role in their offense. While veteran running back Chuba Hubbard will likely open the year as Carolina's RB1, Brooks could be the higher-upside option of the two. As a mid-to-late round pick in most drafts, Brooks profiles as a high-risk, high-reward selection for fantasy managers.
Sep 5, 2026 7:30 AM EST
Panthers "Very Optimistic" Jonathon Brooks Will Be Available in Week 1
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (undisclosed) spent Wednesday's practice working with trainers on a side field for the second day in a row, but head coach Dave Canales told reporters he was "very optimistic" about Brooks' availability for Week 1 against the Bears. A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brooks has appeared in only three career games, re-tearing the right ACL that ended his collegiate career after handling only 12 touches as a rookie. While Canales' update offers reassurance about his availability, questions about his role still make Brooks a difficult fantasy start to begin the year, as conflicting reports out of training camp have painted a muddied picture of how he might split work with veteran Chuba Hubbard in 2026. The talent that made Brooks the first running back off the board in 2024 is still apparent, and with the higher-upside case among Carolina's backs, he is well worth taking a shot on later in drafts as RotoBaller's RB33.
Sep 2, 2026 9:40 AM EST
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