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 a November 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 tore his ACL in Texas’ game against TCU. Shortly after, Brooks had surgery, ending his season and his collegiate career.
Before 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. Since we don’t have any NFL highlights to enjoy, here are some college highlights showcasing how good we think Brooks will be.
Here's 3 minutes of Jonathon Brooks being an absolute beast for your timeline today pic.twitter.com/bue2kdMP1p
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) July 25, 2023
Even though the Panthers knew he wouldn’t be ready for the start of the season, they still made Brooks the first running back off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting him with the No. 46 overall pick.
When Will Brooks Return From Injury?
Even though Brooks’ injury happened playing football, since it didn’t happen playing professional football, he is technically on the NFI list (non-football injury). There is no meaningful difference between this and the PUP list, or even IR at this point in the season.
Brooks had to sit out the first four games of the season. Given that we are now heading into Week 10, he’s obviously well past the point at which he can legally return — it all comes down to his health.
ACL tears typically have a 9-12-month return-to-play timeline. Brooks won’t truly be back to his pre-injury self until next season. But in terms of getting back on the field, we are nearing the tail end of the typical recovery period.
More importantly, though, the Panthers are nearing the end of Brooks’ window to be activated.
The Panthers designated Brooks to return ahead of Week 7. He initially started with limited practices but has since graduated to full practices. Ahead of Week 9, he practiced in full all three days.
While Brooks drew a questionable tag ahead of Week 9, he was never expected to play (which begs the question of why list him as questionable at all?).
Dave Canales doesn’t expect Thielen, Brooks or Wonnum to play. https://t.co/saiGjmxTas
— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 1, 2024
The good news is that Brooks appears ready to make his debut in Week 10 when the Panthers play the New York Giants in Germany.
Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks is expected to make his NFL debut next week against the Giants in Germany. OLB D.J. Wonnon is expected to make his Carolina debut in that game, and WR Adam Thielen is expected to return from injury — unless he's a last-minute trade.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) November 3, 2024
How Has Brooks’ Absence Impacted the Panthers?
The Panthers obviously drafted Brooks intending to make him their RB1 of the future. But while he’s been out, veteran Chuba Hubbard has been playing the best football of his career.
Hubbard is averaging 5.0 yards per carry and has played 68% of the snaps this season. He’s been mostly a bellcow, with Miles Sanders mixing in a bit more than expected on passing downs.
Even if Brooks does play this year, he’s not going to completely vanquish Hubbard. There will be a ramp-up period and, at best, he’ll flip a timeshare. Fantasy football managers who were hoping to get a league-winner down the stretch will have to just hope they get something useful out of Brooks.