After 212 days of anticipation, Carolina Panthers rookie Jonathon Brooks is poised to step onto the NFL stage.
Drafted as the first running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Texas Longhorn is slated to make his debut this Sunday against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed Brooks’ debut on Friday, emphasizing the team’s eagerness to see their young talent in action.
Brooks has been listed as “questionable” on Carolina’s injury report, despite participating fully in practice all week. This marks a significant milestone for the rookie, whose journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. A torn ACL in late 2023 cut his final college season short after an impressive 1,139-yard campaign with 11 total touchdowns. The injury caused some uncertainty leading up to the draft, but the Panthers traded up to secure him with the 46th overall pick in the second round.
While the Panthers’ faith in Brooks never wavered, his recovery took longer than expected. Initially projected to return much earlier, Brooks didn’t have his practice window opened until mid-October, three months behind schedule. That delay underscores the challenges of his recovery and the caution exercised by the Panthers’ medical staff.
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The timing of Brooks’ return aligns with a season that hasn’t gone as planned for Carolina. With the team struggling overall, running back Chuba Hubbard has been one of the few bright spots. Hubbard’s performance, including his 818 rushing yards (fourth in the NFL), has solidified his role as the Panthers’ primary back. This reality could limit Brooks’ initial workload, with the coaching staff likely easing him into action.
For Brooks, Sunday will serve as a proving ground. Known for his straight-line speed and agility, the rookie’s physical condition will be under scrutiny as fans and analysts assess whether he has fully recovered. The ACL injury that sidelined him is a critical factor, but his potential remains tantalizing.
Despite the excitement surrounding his debut, expectations should be tempered. Brooks’ long layoff, coupled with Hubbard’s dominance, suggests a likely pitch count for the rookie. Don’t expect Brooks to shoulder a significant workload immediately, but his presence adds depth and intrigue to the Panthers’ backfield.
Canales and the coaching staff will undoubtedly focus on integrating Brooks without disrupting the flow Hubbard has established. If nothing else, Brooks’ return offers a glimpse into the future for Carolina’s offense. His collegiate tape highlights his ability to break away for explosive runs, a skill the Panthers hope he can replicate at the professional level.
The stakes for the Panthers remain high, even in a challenging season. Hosting the Chiefs is no small task, and integrating a player of Brooks’ caliber could provide a spark for the offense. The debut also carries symbolic weight, as Brooks represents the team’s investment in building a more dynamic offense.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Brooks as he takes his first NFL snaps. While it’s unlikely he’ll dominate the stat sheet, his presence is a step forward for the Panthers as they evaluate their future core.
The wait has been long, but Brooks is finally ready to make his mark. His debut is more than just a game—it’s a testament to perseverance and a glimpse into the potential he brings to the Panthers’ lineup.
This matchup against the Chiefs isn’t just another game; it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Carolina and their promising rookie. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Brooks can live up to the expectations that made him the top rusher selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
