Jonathon Brooks won't play in NFL preseason - when should he join Panthers lineup?

Former Texas running back Jonathan Brooks won't be playing during the NFL preseason

FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 11: Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (#24) runs up field during the college football game between the Texas Longhorns and TCU Horned Frogs on November 11, 2023 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. / (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Heading into the 2024 NFL draft, the consensus number one running back prospect was Jonathon Brooks out of Texas. After a breakout sophomore year that saw Brooks total 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in just 11 games, he went to the Carolina Panthers in the second round at 46th overall.

Fans who are eager to see Brooks make his debut as a pro are going to have to wait a couple more months, it seems. Brooks' 2023 season was cut short by an ACL tear in November against TCU, making his production all that much more impressive. However special he may be healthy, Brooks still needs more time to fully recover.

According to head coach Dave Canales, Brooks will sit out the entire 2024 preseason and not play a single snap in any of his team's three games. Canales is hoping he will be able to join the lineup in Week 3 or Week 4 of the regular season, per Josh Norris.

Panthers HC Dave Canales says RB Jonathon Brooks will not play a snap this preseason

Says it was expected this spring

“Something around Week 3, Week 4 would be great” pic.twitter.com/6pYhup7X1j

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 3, 2024

For now Chuba Hubbard remains at the top of Carolina's depth chart at running back, followed by Miles Sanders. The writing is definitely on the wall, though. Once Brooks is 100% healthy it's only a matter of time before he takes the reins and becomes the Panthers' lead rusher.

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