Jonathon Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, as the Carolina Panthers took him with the No. 46 overall pick in the second round.
It’s possible Brooks would have been picked even earlier if he was healthy, but an injury he suffered in college sidelined him throughout the pre-draft process and threatened to derail part of his rookie season.
What is the latest on Brooks’ health, and how long will the rookie running back be sidelined?
What Is Jonathon Brooks’ Injury?
On Nov. 11, 2023, Brooks suffered a torn ACL in Texas’ game against TCU. Shortly after, Brooks had surgery to repair his ACL, ending his season and his collegiate career.
“We’re heartbroken for Jonathon,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said in a statement at the time. “He was having a fantastic season and leaves a void that needs to be filled. … I know he’ll work extremely hard in his recovery, get back to full speed as soon as he can, and we will be there by his side supporting him through all of that.”
Prior to the injury, Brooks was extremely productive for the Longhorns in 2023, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games while also catching 25 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown.
Brooks had big shoes to fill at Texas, replacing star running back Bijan Robinson, who was drafted No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Brooks picked up right where Robinson left off and solidified himself as one of the best running backs in the nation.
Since Brooks tore his ACL in November, many wondered how the injury would impact his draft stock. He wouldn’t be able to participate in drills at the NFL Combine or work out for teams. However, he was still the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
How Long Will Brooks Be Sidelined?
After selecting Brooks, Panthers general manager and president of football operations Dan Morgan told reporters that he expected Brooks to be ready for training camp, but the 21-year-old never came close to hitting that timeline.
Since the Panthers placed Brooks on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list to start the season, he must miss the first four games. The earliest that he’ll be eligible to return is Week 5.
It’s worth noting that the Panthers’ brass waited until the final possible day to place Brooks on the NFI list, indicating that the team believed there was a chance he could be ready before the end of September. But they ultimately decided to sit him for the first four weeks.
INJURY TRACKER: Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest NFL Injuries
Brooks has yet to practice since joining the Panthers, and his timeline to return remains unclear. On Wednesday, Panthers head coach Dave Canales did offer a positive update, telling reporters that Brooks is nearing a return and in the final stages of his recovery.
Ideally, Brooks will be able to play in Week 5 or Week 6. But even if he makes his NFL debut in the next week or two, there’s no guarantee that Brooks will start or receive the most carries right away. The Panthers may ease him back and gradually increase his workload, leaning on their other running backs until Brooks is 100%.
Who Is Starting in Brooks’ Absence?
With Brooks sidelined, the Panthers have been starting Chuba Hubbard (with Miles Sanders mixing in occasionally as well).
Hubbard has seen five targets in consecutive games, and if this offense is going to trend close to the league average, Hubbard’s status as an RB2 is reasonably safe.
He carried the ball 21 times in Carolina’s blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders after recording just 20 touches in the first two games this season, a stretch that saw the Panthers outscored 73-13.
Hubbard’s production in 2024:
- Eight quarters with Bryce Young: 90 yards and zero touchdowns
- Four quarters with Andy Dalton: 169 yards and one touchdown
In Week 4, the Panthers face the Cincinnati Bengals, who are on a short week and are an offensive-oriented team. The way to beat such a team is to bloody its nose early and make it play your style. Assuming the Panthers can keep this game close, expect Hubbard to get a ton of work.