Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks remains out of practice, but team hopeful he'll play vs. Bears
Dave Canales said he is very optimistic Brooks will be ready for Week 1 after the running back missed his third straight practice.
- On Monday, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks missed his third consecutive practice with "general soreness," though head coach Dave Canales remains "very optimistic" he will play in Sunday's season opener against the Chicago Bears.
- Brooks has missed 31 of 34 regular-season games since joining the Panthers, yet the team views him as a vital complement to starter Chuba Hubbard for the 2026 season.
- Canales praised Brooks' "home run speed" and noted his "smooth, long strider" mechanics, indicating the training staff is likely resting him as a precaution before Week 1.
- Hubbard, who managed a hamstring injury last month, is expected to be a full participant for the opener and will share a 1A-1B rotation with Brooks to stabilize the rushing attack.
- Entering the 2026 season, the Panthers face broader roster challenges, with key players like OLB Nic Scourton and Ikem Ekwonu nursing long-term injuries that extend beyond Week 1.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Is Jonathon Brooks Playing in Week 1? Panthers Injury News Is Questionable
This is set to be Jonathon Brooks’ real chance to make an impact in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers. With Rico Dowdle gone, the RB depth chart in Carolina has plenty of room for Brooks to be a key contributor. He’s been a trendy draft pick in fantasy football, and he’s still young enough […]
The Toronto Star
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks remains out of practice, but team hopeful he’ll play vs. Bears
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina's Jonathon Brooks missed his third straight practice with “general soreness,” but Panthers coach Dave Canales remains hopeful the team's young running back will be ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears.
Associated Press News
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks remains out of practice, but team hopeful he'll play vs. Bears
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks missed his third straight practice with “general soreness,” but coach Dave Canales remains hopeful he’ll be ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears.
Panthers Optimistic Jonathon Brooks Plays Against Bears Despite Practice Absence
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks missed his third straight practice with “general soreness," but coach Dave Canales remains hopeful he’ll be ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears
Carolina Panthers should have legitimate concerns about Jonathon Brooks' availability
Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox talk about Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks, and if Brooks will be available for head coach Dave Canales week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against the Chicago Bears. The Drive with Tim Donnelly is presented by Magnolia Healthcare and Aesthetics. magnoliahealthcareaesthetics.com
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