JonathonBrooks

News: 4 days agoBrooks notched four carries for 14 yards and one catch (on two targets) for 48 yards during Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears.

Spin: Brooks initially missed practice Sept. 1 due to general soreness before opening Week 1 prep with back-to-back limited practices due to a groin injury. A full practice Friday resulted in no designation for Sunday's game, but he played a distant second to Chuba Hubbard (13 touches, 87 yards from scrimmage and two total TDs) out of the Panthers backfield in the season opener. Perhaps by putting his recent health concern further in the rearview mirror, Brooks will be more involved in the offense next Sunday in Atlanta.

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.