Carolina Panthers’ promising rookie running back, Jonathon Brooks, is currently sidelined as he recovers from season-ending knee surgery. The team is hopeful that the second-round pick will be back in action sometime after the start of the 2024 regular season. Brooks, who sustained a torn ACL last season while playing with Texas, is not only expected to miss the preseason but likely a few weeks into the regular season as well.
Panthers head coach, Dave Canales, expressed optimism about Brooks’ potential return, stating that Week 3 or Week 4 would be an ideal timeline for his comeback. When the team made the decision to move up in the draft to select Brooks at No. 46 overall, making him the first running back chosen in the draft, they knew he would require time to recover. Thus, his delayed debut does not come as a surprise to the coaching staff.
While the team is eager to have Brooks back on the field, they are also cautious and do not want to rush his return before he is fully ready. Despite his injury, Brooks has been actively participating in practice, working on drills alongside his teammates.
Brooks underwent surgery in November and began running just 12 weeks after the procedure, which he mentioned was ahead of schedule at that time. Due to his injury, he did not participate in workouts at the Scouting Combine or a Pro Day.
Despite facing this setback, Brooks has maintained a positive outlook throughout his recovery process. “Everything happens for a reason, you know,” Brooks remarked. “I feel like it was truly a blessing from God for me to be behind those two guys and for me to get my moment. And like I said, everything happens for a reason. Injuries are a part of the game. It sucks that it happened, but it happened.”
In his 2023 season, Brooks played 11 games, starting three, and showcased his talent with 187 rushing attempts for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed 22 receptions for 212 yards and one touchdown in the passing game. Fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the gridiron, where he will undoubtedly make a significant impact for the Panthers.