Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks will stay on the PUP list to begin the season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That knocks the rookie out for at least the first four games of the season as he continues to work back from last November's ACL tear.
HC Dave Canales said in early August that Brooks was aiming to debut in Week 3 or 4. That will now need to wait until at least Week 5.
There haven't been any reports on a setback with Brooks' rehab. The Panthers are just wisely taking it slow with their second-round rookie.
Brooks' workload will likely be slowly ramped up when he does take the field, so fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on him as a potential starter until the second half of the season.
That said, a healthy Brooks should emerge as Carolina's clear lead back. And Canales just helped RB Rachaad White to a breakout season in Tampa Bay.
Brooks remains a potential difference-maker down the stretch this year.
Brooks' dynasty stock is unaffected, barring news of a setback. He was never likely to make an impact early this season. But he remains the top RB in the 2024 draft class.
RB Chuba Hubbard will operate as Carolina's lead back until Brooks is ready. Hubbard isn't an exciting talent, and this Panthers offense figures to rank in the bottom half of the league. But volume will at least make Hubbard a RB3 or flex option early this season.
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