Overview
- Brooks punched in a 1-yard touchdown during Carolina's preseason game against Jacksonville, giving the Panthers' starting offense its first preseason score and contributing to a 34-17 win.
- He entered the NFL as a second-round pick in 2024 after rehabbing a college ACL tear, then re-injured the same knee early in his pro career and missed the 2025 season on injured reserve.
- Through two preseason games Brooks has totaled eight carries for 23 yards and one touchdown as the team has limited his snaps to test his knee under game conditions.
- Brooks described the touchdown as deeply meaningful, crediting his faith and a promise with his late father for the moment's emotional weight.
- Carolina plans to continue a staged, cautious return for Brooks, using more preseason reps to evaluate his durability and determine how he fits on the regular-season depth chart.