Jonathon Brooks: Everything you need to know

Brooks didn't participate in team drills during Tuesday's OTA session, Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer reports. That said, Brooks participated in individual drills Tuesday, with his limitations characterized by coach Dave Canales as "just a rest day." Given the running back's injury history, notably two ACL tears, it's not surprising that the team is inclined to ramp up the 2024 second-rounder's workload deliberately with an eye toward ensuring he's at full strength once the regular season arrives. In terms of how Brooks has looked in OTAs, Canales noted "JB's looked great, in the run game certainly, but also in the pass game. He has a great ability to catch the ball, track it, and transition once he catches it." With Rico Dowdle now with the Steelers, Brooks -- who missed the entire 2025 season -- has an opportunity to claim a notable backfield role alongside Chuba Hubbard in 2026, provided he can stay on the field.

Brooks (knee) said Tuesday that he's been fully cleared to participate in the Panthers' offseason program, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. Brooks said he feels "close to 100 percent" after tearing his right ACL for the second time in Week 14 of the 2024 campaign. Brooks missed the entirety of the 2025 campaign but appears ready to contribute this season. The offseason has set up nicely for Brooks after Rico Dowdle left in free agency, leaving Brooks as the clear favorite to open the season as the RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard. AJ Dillon was signed to a minimum-level deal but has barely played over the last two seasons, and Trevor Etienne is a satellite back who mainly played special teams as a 2025 rookie.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Monday that he expects Brooks (knee) to be ready to participate in OTAs and minicamp, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. General manager Dan Morgan said late February that Carolina is optimistic about Brooks' recovery and his odds of contributing on offense during the 2026 campaign. A 2024 second-round pick, Brooks had his rookie debut delayed due to recovery from a right ACL tear sustained in college, and he then suited up for just two games before suffering an ACL tear in the same knee. With Rico Dowdle having moved on to Pittsburgh, Brooks faces a clear opportunity to contribute behind Chuba Hubbard if fully healthy, with AJ Dillon and Trevor Etienne representing his top competition for backfield touches.