Panthers open practice window for top rookie RB Jonathon Brooks

Brooks injured his knee in a Texas win against TCU in November 2023. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported before the draft that it was a clean ACL tear and there was optimism that Brooks could be ready in early July. Instead, the dynamic back has meant that Panthers fans have had to wait a little longer since they haven’t practiced with the team yet.

Brooks is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound player with straight-line speed and quickness to match when it comes to hitting the hole. He now has 21 days to be added to the Panthers’ roster.

With head coach Dave Canales and the Panthers sitting in last place in the NFC South at 1-5, Brooks’ approach to his debut will at least add some excitement to the season.

Then again, current Panthers running back Chris Hubbard was hardly a slouch. He has rushed for 485 yards in six games, which ranks third in the NFL through Week 7.

Perhaps the Panthers can create a one-two punch in the backfield that will give the struggling team better offensive opportunities as Brooks enters his rookie season.