JonathonBrooks

News: 2 days agoBrooks (general soreness) was spotted working out of to the side during Monday's practice, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: Kaye notes that Brooks was spotted doing some running, so he wasn't completely limited to rehab work. According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Panthers head coach Dave Canales expressed optimism last week that Brooks would be ready to play in Sunday's season opener versus the Bears, and the running back's lack of involvement in Monday's practice isn't believed to have changed the Panthers' stance. Brooks missed the entire 2025 campaign after tearing the ACL in his right knee for the second time in his career in December 2024, but he was fully cleared in the spring and saw action in two preseason games.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Brooks is hoping to get his career on track in 2026 after appearing in only one game since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft. Brooks spent most of his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL suffered while at the University of Texas. He returned in Week 12 and handled 12 touches in three games prior to retearing the same ACL and missing the entire 2025 season. Only 23 years old and skilled as a rusher and receiver, Brooks figures to eventually get his shot at a lead-back role in the pros. He's expected to battle for touches with Chuba Hubbard this season, so it's possible he quickly earns his way into a fantasy-relevant role. Consider him in the middle rounds.