Two hundred twelve days since he became the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jonathon Brooks is slated to see his first NFL action.
Brooks will "absolutely" make his NFL debut against the reigning Super Bowl champions, when the Texas product and his Carolina Panthers take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, coach Dave Canales told reporters Friday. The RB is officially questionable on Carolina's Friday injury report after practicing as a full participant all week.
Brooks' 2023 college season for the Longhorns, which saw him rush for 1,139 yards and tally 11 total touchdowns, ended with a torn ACL. The Panthers weren't dissuaded by his injury and traded up to take him in the second round at No. 46 overall. However, it's unlikely they expected such a long road to recovery, as Brooks didn't have his practice window opened until Oct. 16 – roughly three months after his initially hoped-for return.
In reality, his return wasn't all that pressing, considering the Panthers' struggles and running back Chuba Hubbard being one of the team's few standouts.
His straight-line speed and quickness will be worth monitoring for entertainment value and to see how healed up he truly is.
Considering Hubbard's productivity (his 818 rushing yards are fourth in the NFL) coupled with Brooks' layoff and health concerns, it wouldn't be surprising if Brooks was on a pitch count and gets limited reps. Nonetheless, the top rusher in the '24 draft class is finally set to make his long-awaited debut.
The host Panthers kick off against the visiting Chiefs at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
