Jonathon Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he has yet to make his pro debut as he recovers from an ACL tear he suffered while in college. When can we expect to see the Carolina Panthers’ talented rookie running back on the field?
What Is Jonathon Brooks’ Injury?
On Nov. 11, 2023, Brooks suffered a torn ACL in Texas’ game against TCU. Shortly after, Brooks had surgery to repair his ACL, ending his season and his collegiate career.
Prior to his injury, Brooks had rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games and caught 25 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown.
Here's 3 minutes of Jonathon Brooks being an absolute beast for your timeline today pic.twitter.com/bue2kdMP1p
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) July 25, 2023
Brooks was still the first running back selected in April’s 2024 NFL Draft, going No. 46 overall to the Panthers. He was the only running back drafted in the first two rounds.
Brooks began the 2024 NFL season on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, forcing him to miss the first four games of the season. Even though the injury happened while playing football, he’s on the NFI list since it occurred prior to him entering the NFL.
How Long Will Brooks Be Sidelined?
The NFI list is tantamount to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and the same rules apply for his return. Last week, the Panthers officially designated Brooks to resume practicing, opening his three-week practice window.
Brooks was unsurprisingly limited in his first official NFL practice. It could be a little while before Brooks is able to practice in full, as the Panthers definitely do not want to throw too much at the young running back too soon.
Brooks did not practice at all last Thursday, but he was able to get in a limited practice on Friday. Shortly after, the Panthers officially ruled him out for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders.
It’s clear that the Panthers are taking things slow with Brooks. Still, he’ll need to return this week or in Week 9. If he isn’t activated by Week 9, his season will be over due to NFI rules.
The Panthers will face the Denver Broncos this weekend and the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. How Brooks responds to practice will determine how quickly we see him on the field. As of Tuesday morning, there weren’t any updates on whether Brooks could be activated.
Fantasy Outlook for Brooks and Chuba Hubbard
Unsurprisingly, Canales was initially non-committal when asked what a potential backfield split could look like between Brooks and starter Chuba Hubbard.
Hubbard has flourished as Carolina’s lead back. He topped 90 rushing yards in four of his first seven games while scoring three touchdowns and adding one receiving touchdown
Panthers coach Dave Canales says Chuba Hubbard stands for what he’s trying to develop as a team. pic.twitter.com/VWPF9FeynA
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 14, 2024
Hubbard has been performing too well to completely disappear behind Brooks. At this point, it will likely take an injury for Brooks to completely supplant Hubbard.
With that said, once Brooks gets going, he will play. Brooks was drafted too highly to serve as a pure backup, particularly for a Carolina team that is out of contention and likely planning for the future.
Fantasy managers would get some much-needed clarity if Hubbard ends up being moved prior to the Nov. 5 trade deadline, but so far, we haven’t heard any rumblings of a trade. Hubbard is in the last year of his contract and is scheduled for unrestricted free agency in the offseason. A contending team could part with draft picks for a short-term rental or perhaps to sign him long-term.
Hubbard managers should feel confident in his RB1 status holding through the Panthers’ Week 11 bye. If Brooks returns in Week 9, he will likely see a very small role that will slowly increase, but not to the point where he’s doing anything more than taking all the snaps and touches currently going to Miles Sanders.
However, after the bye, it’s possible Brooks really starts to push Hubbard. If the kid is as talented as we think, he could be a surprise league-winner over fantasy football’s mos timportant weeks.
