Should I Start Jonathon Brooks?

Monday, November 2, 11:16 AM

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.