The Carolina Panthers kicked off the preseason last week when they took on the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game.
The starters didn't play in that game, so the backups had a big opportunity to showcase themselves. This week, though, the Panthers are preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills, and we will indeed see the starters this time.
One of the most interesting position groups to watch for the Panthers has been the running back spot. Rico Dowdle is gone, so Chuba Hubbard is expected to be the starter. However, Jonathon Brooks, who is finally healthy, has been the most explosive running back this summer. As a result, people are wondering if Brooks can end up starting.
Well, head coach Dave Canales gave us a hint about that on Wednesday.
Brooks to Play With Starters Against Bills
After Canales revealed that the starters will play, the coach was asked about the status of Brooks. Brooks had two ACL injuries back-to-back and has barely played in two seasons.
When Brooks didn't play in the preseason opener, it seemed like perhaps that was done to avoid injury. However, Canales confirmed the running back is healthy and ready to go.
"Absolutely," Canales said when asked if Brooks will make his debut. "He's in great shape; He's ready to rock, he's ready to play football. And so now that's just the next part of it. And you know, he'll play with the first group, he'll mix in and out with Chuba, and we'll be able to get a good look at those guys with a couple of drives."
So, Brooks was held out in the first preseason game because the team views him as a starter, not because they worried about his injury history.
As Canales mentioned, Brooks will run with the starters against Buffalo, with Hubbard mixing in as well. Hubbard had a 1,000-yard season with the Panthers in 2024, but Brooks seems to have the higher ceiling and is currently the more explosive back.
Performing in practice and performing in a game are two different things. Brooks has looked awesome while running with the starters this summer, but we need to see him do that against real competition.
It's also been a good sign that Brooks has stayed healthy all summer. The running back has barely played football in two years, but it doesn't seem like he's lost a step.
