Who Should I Start? Jonathon Brooks or Eli Heidenreich


Week 4 Projections

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TD
Rec. Rec.
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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jonathon Brooks News

Jonathon Brooks Could Miss Eight Weeks After Undergoing Core Muscle Surge

Wednesday, September 23, 12:10 PM

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.


Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Eli Heidenreich News

Eli Heidenreich a Worthy Stash Candidate Amid Backfield Injuries in Pittsburgh

Friday, September 25, 12:15 PM

A seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Navy, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich has yet to record his first NFL carry. However, the 23-year-old appears to be in line for an expanded role in his team's Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) has already been ruled out with a toe injury, and veteran back Jaylen Warren (shoulder) is officially questionable with a shoulder issue. If neither of Pittsburgh's top two running backs is available, Heidenreich could take over the majority of the team's backfield work on Sunday. Even if Warren plays, Heidenreich would be the next man up and could take on some secondary touches. Heading into Week 3, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Heidenreich off the waiver wire.


Jonathon Brooks vs. Eli Heidenreich

Still trying to decide between Brooks and Heidenreich? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jonathon Brooks is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Eli Heidenreich is projected to score 0.0 points.