Jonathon Brooks

Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks (ACL) will remain on the PUP/NFI list.

This means Brooks, the 46th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will miss at least the first four weeks of the regular season. ESPN’s David Newton said the team is “bringing Brooks along slowly, feeling good about Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders but believing Brooks is the future.” Brooks tore his ACL last November. For now, Hubbard is expected to be Carolina’s lead back, with Sanders chipping in here and there. After a ramp-up period when he is activated from the PUP list, Brooks should have every chance to serve as the team’s RB1. Carolina coaches have talked up Brooks’ pass-catching prowess, suggesting an eventual three-down role for the rookie.