EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has been sidelined for the first two practices following the NFL cut-down deadline. But coach Dave Canales doesn't seem too concerned about the third-year running back's status for the Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13."I'm very optimistic he'll be available for Week 1," Canales said Wednesday.Brooks has been dealing with "soreness," Canales said on Tuesday, but the coach wouldn't specify the location of his current discomfort. Brooks, who is coming off back-to-back ACL surgeries in his right knee, participated in the entire training camp and two preseason games this summer with little issue.During the first preseason work of his career, Brooks produced 23 rushing yards on eight carries (2.7 yards per carry) and caught one pass for nine yards. He played 17 total preseason snaps, which were his first in-game reps since retearing his right ACL against the Philadelphia Eagles in December 2024 during his rookie season. Brooks, the 46th overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft, initially tore his right ACL while playing for the Texas Longhorns during his final college season in 2023.Brooks' status is notable considering the injury history within the running back rotation. Veteran starter Chuba Hubbard's 2025 campaign was spoiled by a lingering calf injury, and he spent the bulk of this year's preseason with a hamstring injury. Hubbard, though, returned to practice on Tuesday and worked again on Wednesday.Brooks is expected to be a key cog in the running back rotation opposite Hubbard this season. Hubbard will be the primary option in the backfield, but Brooks can carve out a larger role with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Hubbard and Brooks can form a tandem similar to last year's duo of Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.The Panthers ended up keeping three active running backs -- including journeyman AJ Dillon -- after last month's cut-down deadline.Second-year running back Trevor Etienne (ankle) was placed on injured reserve with a "designation for return" tag. General Manager Dan Morgan said he expected Etienne, last year's primary kick returner and punt returner, to rejoin the team at some point in the season.
