Positive news hit the Carolina Panthers’ backfield on Wednesday with the practice debut of second-round rookie running back Jonathon Brooks.
Brooks was deemed ready to roll by head coach Dave Canales, and the Panthers officially activated him from the non-football injury list on Wednesday. Carolina also activated safety Sam Franklin Jr. and defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy to return from injured reserve.
The moves create a three-week window for the players to practice before being activated to the 53-man roster, which can happen any time during the 21-day stretch starting Wednesday.
Canales indicated a Week 9 debut was “realistic” for Brooks, who was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the draft by Field Level Media. Brooks suffered a torn ACL last November while playing for Texas. He rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Longhorns last season before he was injured.
Brooks was the first running back drafted in April and the 21-year-old could add a big-play element to Carolina’s sagging offense. The Panthers (1-5) have lost three consecutive games.
Current Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard has played well in 2024 and is third in the NFL in rushing yards (485) while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Hubbard is behind only Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens (704) and San Francisco 49ers’ fill-in starter Jordan Mason (609) in the race for the NFL rushing title.
