The Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is nearing his NFL debut, a development that could significantly impact the struggling team. Brooks, selected 46th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been recovering from a torn ACL during his final season at Texas. After being placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list to begin the season, he is expected to start practicing soon, with a potential return as early as Week 5 or Week 6.
Brooks’ return offers hope for the Panthers, who are currently 1-5 and facing offensive struggles. Carolina’s rushing attack has been inconsistent, with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders leading the backfield but failing to provide the spark the team needs. Brooks’ collegiate performance demonstrated his potential, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 despite missing time due to injury. His ability to break through defensive lines and contribute in the passing game (286 receiving yards in his final college season) adds versatility to the Panthers’ offense.
Brooks’ debut could also help alleviate pressure on rookie quarterback Bryce Young if the team decides to start him in the back half of the season. Young faced difficulties in his second NFL season. A more dynamic run game would give Carolina a balanced attack and open up play-action opportunities, helping Young develop more effectively in his role.
While it’s uncertain how quickly Brooks will return to peak form, his recovery progresses, and optimism surrounds his debut. His fresh legs and explosiveness could be the key to revitalizing the Panthers’ offense and providing the much-needed spark for a team struggling to find its footing in the NFC South.
Random Thoughts
This past week, I went camping with friends and two guys in my fantasy league. It was great! We set up a projector to watch the Panthers game. We had to use VPN to watch NFL games, but it was easy to set up. There were regional blackouts at our location. While watching the game, we got into a discussion about the Panthers trading Hubbard—or even Sanders. The Panthers are in rebuild mode, and the NFL needs quality running backs. I’m not sure if Hubbard has much value, but with Brooks’s return, there may be some interest from teams like the Cowboys, Chiefs, or 49ers.
Fantasy Impact: Sell High On Hubbard?
Chuba Hubbard has provided some stability in the backfield over the last month. Hubbard, who has stepped in as the lead back due to injuries to Miles Sanders and Brooks, has been a bright spot during the team’s struggles, consistently delivering solid performances.
In the past four games, Hubbard has been one of the Panthers’ most reliable offensive contributors. He’s averaged over 4.5 yards per carry and been effective in both the running and passing games. In a Week 5 matchup against the Detroit Lions, Hubbard rushed for 87 yards on just 14 carries, showcasing his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss. His hard-nosed running style has added much-needed physicality to a Panthers offense that has otherwise been inconsistent. This performance earned him more snaps even after Miles Sanders recovered from his injury.
Hubbard’s versatility is also notable. He’s been used in passing situations, catching multiple passes out of the backfield and becoming a reliable outlet for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. His ability to step up as a dual-threat back has helped take some pressure off the passing game, which has been inconsistent through the first six weeks of the season
While the addition of Jonathon Brooks could provide an explosive element to Carolina’s offense, Hubbard’s recent performances show that the Panthers already have a capable option in the backfield. Brooks’ return, combined with Hubbard’s consistency, could form a formidable one-two punch, allowing the Panthers to keep defenses off-balance and potentially help turn around a disappointing season.
Brooks will likely be eased into action as he returns from a major injury, meaning Hubbard’s role will remain significant. If Brooks can find his rhythm and Hubbard continues his strong play, the Panthers may finally have the balanced offensive attack they’ve been searching for. This could not only benefit Bryce Young’s development but also create more opportunities for the Panthers to stay competitive in the NFC South.
