Panthers HC Dave Canales delivers major update on rookie RB for Fantasy Football Week 7

There was some hype around Jonathon Brooks when the Carolina Panthers used a second-round pick on the Texas Longhorns alum, especially considering he was the first running back off the board. The Panthers were tipped to take a step forward after Bryce Young’s rookie year but so far, Brooks has not been able to contribute towards the Panthers’ fortunes.

The Panthers are currently 1-5 and on a trajectory to get another high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but help is on the way for rookie head coach Dave Canales.

Canales told reporters that the franchise is officially opening the practice window for Brooks, who has been sidelined since being drafted in the National Football League.

Jonathon Brooks injury: When is Panthers RB expected to return to action?

Now that the Panthers have opened the 21-day practice window for Jonathon Brooks, the rookie running back can return to the field in some capacity.

It all depends on how the Week 7 practice sessions go for the ex-Texas running back, who is only 10 months removed from an ACL surgery.

As long as the Panthers elevate him to the active roster inside the 21-day window, Brooks will be eligible to return to action. There’s not much reason to accelerate Brooks’ return from injury, though. With a 1-5 record, the Panthers aren’t playing for much except a high draft pick in April next year. Chuba Hubbard has been the lead back amidst Brooks’ injury with Miles Sanders contributing in bits and pieces.

In an interview with ESPN last week, Brooks admitted that he didn’t need to rush himself back despite the Panthers’ fortunes, given the running back room is in good hands.

On Monday, Dave Canales spoke about Panther’s approach to RB’s recovery process. Canales mentioned the team wants to take it slow, keeping Brooks’ health as a priority.

“We just had to take it in stride based on where he was at and his body readiness and his movements, and again, those phases that you gotta go through. And we just didn’t feel like he was ready to clear some of those early stages” – Dave Canales

Jonathon Brooks fantasy outlook

Even on the off chance that Brooks returns to the field against the Washington Commanders later this week, don’t expect the Panthers to give him a lot of carries early on. That could take a few weeks. The Panthers will likely stick to the current scheme of things and utilize Hubbard more often than not.

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Edited by Shivam Damohe