The Carolina Panthers activated rookie running back Jonathon Brooks to the 53-man roster on Wednesday. It strongly indicates that Brooks will make his professional debut against the New York Giants this weekend or against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 following the upcoming bye. The talented ball-carrier should provide Carolina's offense with an immediate surge of production.
Brooks had spent his entire rookie campaign to date on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after suffering a torn ACL injury at Texas last season. Wednesday represented the deadline for Brooks to be activated before he had to be placed on season-ending IR. Local beat writer David Newton seemingly believes that the first-year back will make his debut against the Giants in Germany this weekend.
Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks is expected to make his NFL debut next week against the Giants in Germany. OLB D.J. Wonnon is expected to make his Carolina debut in that game, and WR Adam Thielen is expected to return from injury -- unless he's a last-minute trade.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) November 3, 2024
Brooks should immediately produce explosive plays in a backfield that desperately needs more of them. The Panthers are entering the overseas showdown versus the Giants as the 25th-ranked rushing attack, averaging just 101.3 ground yards per game. Head coach Dave Canales would appreciate better run-game effectiveness.
Chuba Hubbard has been serving as the primary rusher in Carolina's backfield. Hubbard has been better than expected, rushing for 665 yards and five touchdowns in nine appearances. He's averaging 5.0 yards per carry on the season and should remain Canales' go-to back while Brooks eases into the rotation.
Brooks should immediately replace the struggling Miles Sanders as Canales' preferred change-of-pace back. Sanders has come nowhere near meeting the expectations of his four-year, $25.4 million contract, having rushed for just 134 yards and 3.7 yards per carry this season. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan will almost certainly release him this offseason, saving nearly $7 million versus the 2025 cap by designating him as a post-June cut. His departure is inevitable.
The Panthers drafted Brooks despite him rehabbing a serious knee injury throughout the pre-draft process. Morgan signed Hubbard to a multi-year extension on Thursday, indicating Carolina plans to pair him with Brooks as a formidable backfield tandem for the foreseeable future. The rebuilding 2-7 Panthers are hoping to build the offense around Hubbard and their young ball carrier.
Jonathon Brooks excited to *potentially* make his NFL debut this week in Germany, after being activated to the #Panthers’ 53-man roster today.
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) November 6, 2024
“It’s truly a blessing.” pic.twitter.com/EVoFJSecvk
Brooks was absolutely electric throughout the 2023 college football season, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. The Longhorns standout also added 286 receiving yards to his offensive totals. It's no surprise the Panthers made Brooks the first running back selection (No. 46 overall) despite his injury.
Brooks is a dynamic one-cut running back who creates explosive plays through rare speed and acceleration. He displays advanced vision to identify and maximize exposed rushing lanes. Brooks has three-down potential as an excellent pass protector and contributing receiver in the passing game.
The Panthers will start sophomore quarterback Bryce Young for a third consecutive contest against the Giants. The rebuilding Panthers remain in finding-out mode in preparation for the 2025 campaign. Brooks should make his debut on Sunday if he's deemed healthy. Brooks projects as a foundational building block for Canales' offense.
