The NFL debut of Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks will not go down this afternoon.
Brooks was officially ruled out of the team’s Week 8 matchup against Denver Broncos on Saturday afternoon. The rookie rusher, who is continuing his comeback from an ACL tear, was previously listed as questionable for the contest on Friday’s injury report.
Carolina selected University of Texas standout with the 46th overall pick of the 2024 draft. Despite the expectation that he would’ve been ready by training camp, Brooks remained sidelined throughout the summer and began the regular season on the physically unable to perform/non-football injury list.
The Panthers designated the 21-year-old to return to practice back on Oct. 16.
Head coach Dave Canales said the following of Brooks after Friday’s session:
#Panthers HC Dave Canales on whether it’s possible that Jonathon Brooks doesn’t play this year:
“It could be.” pic.twitter.com/fabA2qR0Wr
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) October 26, 2024
As of this writing, the Panthers have 10 days to activate Brooks to the 53-man roster. If they do not, Brooks will not be permitted to play for the rest of the season.