The Carolina Panthers were in desperation mode this offseason to upgrade their offense around quarterback Bryce Young. The addition of former Texas running back Jonathon Brooks earned high marks from key analysts, including myself. Coming back from a torn ACL, Brooks earned high praise this week relative to huge NFL stars.
See how Brooks' fantasy football outlook for 2025 could rival Christian McCaffrey and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks Injury Update
The setback Brooks is experiencing isn't due to any transition issues or poor production. Instead, his recovery from a torn ACL, a serious injury he sustained during his last season with the Texas Longhorns, keeps him from participating fully in the early offseason activities.
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has shared a positive update about Brooks, especially after the team wrapped up its mandatory minicamp. Canales believes that Brooks might be able to participate in the Panthers' next training camp in Charlotte, although it's recommended that the team handle his return cautiously, ensuring he's fully fit.
Dan Morgan and others in the team's management have high expectations for Brooks. They considered him the premium running back of his draft class, which led them to prioritize acquiring him even over addressing other team needs.
Their action clearly indicated their strong belief in his potential at the professional level. Once Brooks is fully recovered and receives the green light, the Panthers are prepared to fully integrate him into their game plan.
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Football Projection
Competition for spots in Carolina's running back group is fiercer than ever. However, if Brooks demonstrates he's unhampered by his knee problem, he's poised to secure the top position quickly, even with Chuba Hubbard in the mix.
NFL.com's Adam Rank is optimistic about Brooks' potential for immediate success. The commentator believes Brooks could become a favorite in fantasy football circles, much like Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions did in his first professional year. Aiming for such high achievements might seem ambitious, but Brooks' talent is clear and undeniable.
"Think of him like this year's version of Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. You're going to be tempted to drop him at some point early in the season. But don't do that. [Jonathon] Brooks will be brought along slowly following his November ACL injury. But dude was dealing for the Texas Longhorns before he went down, with 1,139 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores in his first 10 games of the season. That's some Christian McCaffrey-like stuff right there."
Expecting Brooks to play every down immediately as he returns to full health is unreasonable. The Panthers have ample support with Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and others. Nonetheless, if Brooks is ready by camp, his odds of playing in the Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints look good unless he encounters any issues.
The Panthers, the New York Giants, and the Dallas Cowboys recognized Brooks' potential, but Morgan swiftly secured him for Carolina. Canales intends to emphasize the running game in his strategies, which might initially impact Brooks' fantasy value. However, this could change in the latter half of 2024 if plans unfold smoothly.
Paying attention to Brooks' preseason developments will clarify his immediate impact. Assuming no setbacks and a rapid adjustment back into the game, Brooks promises to significantly benefit the offense after a challenging previous season.
