Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has "no limitations" entering Week 1 against the Bears, according to coach Dave Canales. Brooks was left off the final injury report on Friday after dealing with a groin issue earlier in the week.
Canales said he is looking forward to partnering Brooks with team captain and veteran ball-carrier Chuba Hubbard this season, adding the team has been planning to have the duo lead the backfield for a "really long time."
The Panthers used a second-round pick on Brooks, the 46th overall selection, in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he has played in just three regular-season games since. Brooks is coming off back-to-back right ACL surgeries and had not played in a game since December 2024, when he reinjured his right ACL against the Eagles during his rookie season, until last month's preseason matchup against the Bills.
Brooks participated in training camp and the preseason for the first time in his three-year career this summer, though the Panthers managed his workload. He played 17 snaps in two preseason games, running the ball eight times for 23 yards and catching one pass for nine yards, while also getting a hefty number of reps in joint practices against the Jaguars and Texans.
Hubbard, who was sidelined throughout the preseason with a hamstring injury, was listed as the team's starter on its unofficial depth chart for Week 1. The Panthers also kept veteran journeyman AJ Dillon following the cut-down deadline, while last year's fourth-round pick Trevor Etienne was placed on injured reserve last month with an ankle injury.
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