The Panthers returned to practice to kick off Week 1 preparations, with a notable development at running back. Jonathan Brooks, the former second-round pick whose NFL career has been shaped by back-to-back ACL injuries, was seen on the sidelines working out but did not participate in the day’s full practice. He has been dealing with lingering general soreness, a condition the team described as non-crippling but persistent, prompting questions about his availability for the season opener.
Brooks’ sidelined status is not a sudden setback but rather a continuation of an unusually heavy workload he carried during training camp and the preseason. With lead-back Chuba Hubbard sidelined for much of camp and the preseason due to a hamstring issue, Brooks carried a larger share of reps in practices, joint sessions, and the limited preseason outings. The combination of increased workload and limited live-game action likely contributed to the soreness that has surfaced as Week 1 draws near. This is particularly relevant given Brooks’ injury history; the Panthers will be evaluating how to manage his ramp-up to full speed without risking another setback.
Head coach Dave Canales acknowledged that injury updates would be provided after Wednesday’s practice, signaling a cautious, measured approach as the team assesses all players ahead of facing the Chicago Bears. One point of clarity is that the Panthers do not intend to rush Brooks back into a full workload if his body signals that it’s not ready. The coaching staff is prioritizing a balanced approach that protects Brooks while keeping the offense competitive.
The Panthers’ backfield situation remains encouraging in other respects. Hubbard returned to practice last week and is expected to shoulder a significant portion of early-season carries. In addition, veteran running back AJ Dillon provides an experienced, productive option to complement the backfield. The combination of Hubbard’s familiarity with the system, Dillon’s versatility, and Brooks’ upside should allow Carolina to manage any early ramp-up for Brooks without pressuring him into an untenable workload.
From a planning perspective, Brooks’ status suggests that Week 1 may not feature a heavy, feature-back workload for him. The coaching staff is likely to lean on Hubbard and Dillon to establish the running game, while Brooks gradually increases his involvement as he proves he can handle full-speed NFL action. This approach is common for players returning from significant knee injuries or lingering soreness, particularly when the team believes the player has a long season ahead.
Beyond the backfield, there was another injury-related development to monitor. Pass rusher Pat Jones II was not spotted at practice, adding to the list of defensive front players whose availability could influence the rotation in Week 1. Jones is among the edge players competing for a starting role opposite Jaelan Phillips, and his status will be watched closely as the week progresses. An injury report released after Wednesday’s practice will provide clearer guidance on Jones and the broader defensive lineup.
Overall, the Panthers head into Week 1 with several moving parts in the backfield and on defense. Brooks’ soreness is a factor, but the team has depth at running back to weather an early-season ramp-up. Hubbard’s return provides a reliable option to handle early carries, while Dillon and the rest of the backfield group offer flexibility in gameplay and formation design. The same cautious approach applies to personnel management on the defensive line, where Jones II’s status adds another dimension to the Bears game-plan preparations.
For fantasy players and analysts monitoring Panthers’ Week 1 projections, Brooks remains a promising talent worth watching as he progresses through the season. Early usage may be limited, but the potential for a larger role persists if he stays healthy and demonstrates he can handle the sustained physical demands of a regular-season game. The Panthers’ commitment to protecting him while leveraging Hubbard and Dillon could translate into a balanced backfield approach that evolves as the season unfolds.
As the week continues, teams will release updated injury reports, and practice sessions will reveal more about who is available and how roles might shift. The Panthers are approaching Week 1 with a plan to minimize risk while maximizing production, ensuring they are prepared to attack the Bears on multiple fronts. Fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike should keep an eye on Brooks’ progress, Hubbard’s durability, and Dillon’s performance as the season begins.
