JonathonBrooks

News: 5 hours agoPanthers coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Brooks will mix in with Chuba Hubbard during Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Spin: Hubbard likely will get the start, after both running backs (and numerous other players) were held out of the Hall of Fame Game last week. While Hubbard remains a clear favorite for the Week 1 start, Brooks is on track for a significant role that could include a steady mix of carries and targets. The preseason usage won't necessarily reveal much about the Week 1 plan, but it's still one of the more interesting situations to monitor for fantasy purposes this summer.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Brooks is hoping to get his career on track in 2026 after appearing in only one game since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft. Brooks spent most of his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL suffered while at the University of Texas. He returned in Week 12 and handled 12 touches in three games prior to retearing the same ACL and missing the entire 2025 season. Only 23 years old and skilled as a rusher and receiver, Brooks figures to eventually get his shot at a lead-back role in the pros. He's expected to battle for touches behind starter Chuba Hubbard this season, so it's possible he earns his way into a fantasy-relevant role at some point. Consider him a lottery ticket in the late rounds.