The Panthers were a surprise package in the NFL last year, winning the NFC South and then battling the Los Angeles Rams to the brink in the Wild Card round. The Panthers will look to follow up their surprise NFC South title with another title in 2026.
One of the most anticipated returns is Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks, who missed last season and most his rookie season with torn ACLs. This season, he was expected to threaten RB Chuba Hubbard’s starting spot, similar to what RB Rico Dowdle did last year. However, Brooks was back on the injury report (groin) ahead of Week 1's matchup with the Bears.
We’ll dive into the latest Jonathon Brooks injury update and note the potential impact it has on fantasy football and player projections for PrizePicks.
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Jonathon Brooks Injury Update: Is Brooks Playing in Week 1?
Brooks was listed on the injury report with a groin injury throughout the week, being a limited participant at practices on Wednesday and Thursday.
Whether it was precautionary or something more, no one really knows. However, there was a video early in the week from Charlotte sports reporter Cam Gaskins where he was moving well but just working off to the side.
On Friday, the Panthers officially took Brooks off the injury report, meaning he is good to go for Sunday's matchup against the Bears. How does that impact his fantasy football outlook and Carolina's running back room?
Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Football Outlook & Panthers’ Depth Entering Week 1
It’s year three for Brooks, and due to his two torn ACLs, he’s had very little time on the field throughout his career. He’s played in three games and started one game. In those three appearances, Brooks has 9 carries for 22 rushing yards along with 3 receptions for 23 yards.
If Brooks sees limited time, RB Chuba Hubbard should see most of the work once again.
Hubbard missed time with a calf injury last year, contributing to Rico Dowdle eventually eating into his share as the lead back.
Back in 2024, when the backfield was Brooks and Hubbard, the 27-year-old finished with 1195 rushing yards and 10 TDs on the ground. He also caught 43 passes for 171 receiving yards and 1 TD through the air.
PrizePicks currently projects Hubbard with 56.5 rush yards and a 12.5 fantasy score for Week 1 vs. the Bears. Meanwhile, Brooks has projected 33.5 rush yards for Sunday, paired with 575.5 rush yards for the 2026 season on PrizePicks' NFLSZN board.
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The 2026 season is hopefully when Jonathon Brooks finally has his breakthrough. He has the resiliency to return from two torn ACLs, so here’s to hoping for a healthy and strong 2026 campaign for Brooks.
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