Panthers Clear Jonathon Brooks for Week 1 After Midweek Groin Soreness

Overview

• Brooks practiced fully on Friday and the Panthers put no injury designation on him for Sunday’s opener against the Chicago Bears, making him expected to be available.
• The running back was limited on Wednesday and Thursday with groin soreness, received treatment, and took selective reps before returning to full participation.
• Coach Dave Canales said the team will use a planned Brooks–Chuba Hubbard tandem to control the running game while monitoring Brooks’ snap counts and workload.
• The Friday report also ruled outside linebacker Pat Jones II out for Week 1 with a back injury and upgraded defensive lineman Bobby Brown III to full participation.
• Brooks missed most of 2024–25 after two ACL tears, so the Panthers’ cautious reintegration this week signals they will protect his health over the long season and ease his touches early on.