The Carolina Panthers are keeping a close eye on running back Jonathon Brooks as the regular season approaches.
Brooks missed practice Tuesday and was again working off to the side with trainers Wednesday because of general soreness. The Panthers have not indicated that he suffered a new major injury, and the exact location of the soreness has not been publicly specified.
The timing is notable for Brooks, who has spent much of the last two seasons working his way back from a pair of ACL injuries. The former Texas star suffered his second ACL tear in December 2024, forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season.
After a long rehabilitation process, Brooks finally returned to game action this preseason. He played in two preseason games, recording eight carries for 23 yards and a touchdown while also catching one pass for nine yards.
Brooks’ return had been one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Panthers throughout training camp. He reached several major milestones during his recovery, including participating in full-speed padded practices and proving that he could cut, take contact and run without hesitation.
Now, the Panthers are taking a cautious approach with their young running back.
Head coach Dave Canales provided some positive news Wednesday, saying he is “very optimistic” that Brooks will be available for Carolina’s Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
That optimism should ease some concerns surrounding the injury, particularly given Brooks’ history. The Panthers have little reason to push him unnecessarily during practice with the regular season just around the corner.
Brooks is expected to play an important role in Carolina’s backfield this season alongside Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard has also dealt with an injury this preseason, meaning the Panthers will want both backs healthy when the regular season begins.
For Brooks, the immediate goal is simple: get healthy and be ready for Week 1.
After everything he has gone through since entering the NFL, the last thing Carolina wants is to rush him back from even a minor issue. If his current soreness remains manageable, Brooks could still enter the season as one of the Panthers’ most intriguing offensive weapons.
The Panthers’ first game is still more than a week away, giving Brooks additional time to recover. For now, the team appears confident that this latest setback will not derail his long-awaited return.
