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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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Jonathon Brooks was one of the most hyped rookies in the NFL two years ago.
The Carolina Panthers selected him with the 46th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after a strong junior year at Texas. The Longhorns running back rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on 187 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, to go along with 286 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.
It was his first real opportunity as a lead back after backing up Bijan Robinson for his first two college seasons, and coming into the league as a 6-foot, 200-pound back, expectations were high. But he was also coming off a torn right ACL suffered in his final college season and didn't make his NFL debut until Week 12 of his rookie year. Then, just three games later, he tore the same ACL — an injury that kept him out all of last season.
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As a result, Panthers fans have yet to truly see the young running back in action. Until now.
Head coach Dave Canales announced Wednesday that Brooks will play in Carolina's upcoming preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills at the new Highmark Stadium.
"He's in great shape. He's ready to rock. He's ready to play football. So now, that's just the next part of it," Canales said. "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 sat out last week's Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals, meaning Saturday will mark his first live action since the 2024 season.
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Coming off two torn ACLs to the same knee in less than three years is far from ideal for a running back, but the Panthers clearly still believe in him. They let Rico Dowdle, their leading rusher from a season ago, walk in free agency and brought in no one to replace him. Chuba Hubbard remains the presumed lead back entering the year, but there's a real path for Brooks to see significant early action — and potentially win the job outright.
The Panthers enter the 2026 season looking to build on last year's success, when they won the NFC South for the first time since 2015 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. A strong run game led by Hubbard and Brooks will be key to replicating that.
After Saturday's game, the Panthers close out the preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars (Friday, Aug. 21) and Houston Texans (Friday, Aug. 28) — two of the best defenses in football.
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