Carolina Panthers Make Major Jonathon Brooks Decision

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks will play in the preseason for the first time in his career. Brooks is coming off two ACL tears, but he could be a talented weapon in the Panthers' offense if he stays healthy.

Brooks did not appear in Carolina's first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.

"He's in great shape; he's ready to rock -- he's ready to play football," Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. "That's just the next part of it, and he'll play with the first group. He'll mix in and out with Chuba [Hubbard], and we'll be able to get a good look at those guys with a couple of drives."

Brooks appeared in only three games during his rookie season in 2024, rushing for 22 yards on nine carries and catching three passes for 23 yards. 

The 23-year-old missed the entire 2025 season, but he could be a factor outside of the backfield alongside Chuba Hubbard, Trevor Etienne, and AJ Dillon.

Hubbard was the second running back for Carolina in the 2025 season behind Rico Dowdle, as he rushed for 511 yards and a touchdown while also catching 30 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns.

Dowdle had an incredible season for the Panthers, as he rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns, along with 39 receptions for 297 yards and a touchdown. Replacing his production will likely be more of a committee between Hubbard and Brooks. 

If Brooks can stay healthy, he could be a talented piece in Carolina's offense as they look to win the NFC South for the second straight season.

The Panthers could use more talent on offense, as their quarterback, Bryce Young, has continued to improve throughout his career.

Young had a career year in 2025, completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns.

Carolina has a quality team, but Dowdle had such an impact on their offense, putting more pressure on Brooks and Hubbard to thrive out of the backfield in the 2026 season.