Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks was a full participant in Tuesday's padded practice, likely his first real contact since tearing his ACL in December 2024. He missed all of training camp in both 2024 and 2025 while rehabbing a pair of ACL injuries.
What They're Saying
Brooks: “I think the back of my mind, obviously as a football player you’ve got to get back out there and be able to learn how to take hits, learn how to get your contact balance right back. And first day of pads, it was good.”
HC Dave Canales: “I don’t see any hesitation in his play. He’s pressing runs. He’s hitting the ground (and) popping up. So that’s what I like to see.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Three-Down Upside Intact
The reports on Brooks' rehab have been glowing all offseason, but that on-field work came in shorts and t-shirts. Tuesday's padded practice was a more meaningful step toward live action.
A healthy Brooks is an exciting fantasy prospect. The 216-pounder averaged 114 rushing yards, 29 receiving yards, and 1.1 total TDs per game in his final college season and has the potential to be a three-down contributor as a pro.
The battle for snaps between Brooks and RB Chuba Hubbard will be worth watching closely over the next month. Canales' backfields have regularly produced strong fantasy contributors.
For more on Brooks, check out 2026 Fantasy Football Sleepers.
