The Carolina Panthers are set to welcome back a crucial offensive piece as running back Jonathon Brooks makes his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Brooks, who has been sidelined since tearing his ACL during his final season at Texas, is ready to return to action and provide a boost to the Panthers’ backfield.
At practice, head coach Dave Canales expressed his enthusiasm about Brooks’ long-awaited debut. “It’s been a long road for Jonathon, but he’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point,” Canales said. “We’re excited to see what he can bring to the offense. His vision, speed, and ability to make plays in space are things we’ve been looking forward to adding to our game plan.”
Brooks was a standout at Texas, showcasing a blend of power and elusiveness that made him a highly-touted prospect before his injury. The Panthers have been cautious with his recovery, ensuring he’s fully ready to contribute. Now, against the Chiefs’ tough defense, Brooks will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact and help bolster Carolina’s ground game as they aim to finish the season strong.
The Panthers will get a much-needed boost to their offense on Sunday as rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is set to make his NFL debut against the Chiefs. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed the news, saying Brooks “absolutely” will play after an impressive week of practice.
“He had a great week,” Canales said via the Panthers’ website. “He’s been involved with the plan, and he looks confident. He was running hard, he was making cuts… starting to develop the second level part of his runs, which is what I wanted to see. I’m excited to get him out there this week.”
Brooks’ debut comes at a crucial time for Carolina, with starting running back Miles Sanders sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 10. While Chuba Hubbard will likely handle most of the early-down work, Brooks is expected to play a significant role as the backup. Notably, Canales indicated that Brooks will not be on a pitch count, meaning he could see considerable action if he finds his rhythm.
This will be Brooks’ first game action since his ACL injury at Texas, where he was a dynamic playmaker known for his vision and ability to break tackles. His return to the field could add a fresh dimension to the Panthers’ offense as they prepare to face the Chiefs’ formidable defense. If Brooks can capitalize on his opportunities, he could play a pivotal role in helping the Panthers remain competitive down the stretch.
Jonathon Brooks expected to make season debut for Panthers
Jonathon Brooks has been a full participant in practice this week and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Panthers’ rookie running back is poised to make his long-awaited NFL debut, showcasing his talents after a standout season at Texas in 2023.
Before his ACL injury late in the college season, Brooks amassed 1,139 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as a top-tier prospect. The Panthers saw his potential despite the injury, selecting him with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. While his recovery took longer than initially anticipated—his practice window only opened on October 16—Carolina’s decision to be patient appears to have paid off.
The Panthers’ struggles this season meant there was no rush to activate Brooks, especially with Chuba Hubbard stepping up as a reliable option in the backfield. However, Brooks’ return provides a fresh opportunity for the team to evaluate his fit alongside Hubbard. The Panthers hope the two can develop into a dynamic one-two punch for the future, with Brooks offering versatility and explosive playmaking ability.
With the season entering its latter stages, Brooks’ debut is a chance for Carolina to see what the rookie can bring to an offense in need of sparks. Whether he becomes a rotational piece or takes on a bigger role will depend on how he performs in his first live game action since his college days.
