Overview
- Brooks scored a 1-yard touchdown on the Panthers’ opening drive in Friday night’s preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the score does not count in official NFL statistics.
- The touchdown came after Brooks missed more than a year rehabbing back-to-back ACL tears that began in November 2023 and cost him the 2025 season.
- Through two preseason appearances Brooks has eight carries for 23 yards and the one touchdown while the Panthers have given him controlled reps to test his durability and technique.
- Brooks framed the moment as deeply personal, crediting his faith and dedicating the score to his late father, and teammates and coach Dave Canales publicly praised his work and attitude.
- Carolina plans to keep using preseason snaps to evaluate Brooks’ pass protection, contact recovery and role in the running-back depth chart before making regular-season decisions.