Being eased back in
Brooks didn't participate in team drills during Tuesday's OTA session, Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer reports.
That said, Brooks participated in individual drills Tuesday, with his limitations characterized by coach Dave Canales as "just a rest day." Given the running back's injury history, notably two ACL tears, it's not surprising that the team is inclined to ramp up the 2024 second-rounder's workload deliberately with an eye toward ensuring he's at full strength once the regular season arrives. In terms of how Brooks has looked in OTAs, Canales noted "JB's looked great, in the run game certainly, but also in the pass game. He has a great ability to catch the ball, track it, and transition once he catches it." With Rico Dowdle now with the Steelers, Brooks -- who missed the entire 2025 season -- has an opportunity to claim a notable backfield role alongside Chuba Hubbard in 2026, provided he can stay on the field.
More Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football News
Jalen Coker
Signs three-year extension
Coker and the Panthers agreed on a three-year, $35 million contract extension with incentives up to $41 million Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Xavier Legette
Sheds weight, down to 221 pounds
Legette said Thursday that he's down to 221 pounds after losing 7-9 pounds in the offseason, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
On track for training camp
The Panthers expect McMillan (ankle) to be ready for the start of training camp, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
Back at practice Tuesday
McMillan (foot) is participating in practice Tuesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Trevor Etienne
Behind Brooks on depth chart?
Etienne appears to be behind Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks on Carolina's depth chart, competing for a backup role while contributing on special teams, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer.
Tetairoa McMillan
Remains idle with foot injury
McMillan (foot) remains sidelined for Tuesday's practice, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Looking healthy at OTAs
Sanders (fibula) is participating in practice at OTAs on Wednesday, Alex Zietlow of The Charlette Observer reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
Dealing with minor injury?
McMillan worked with the training staff Tuesday while his teammates practiced on the first day of OTAs, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Bryce Young
Contract option picked up
The Panthers have officially exercised the fifth-year option on Young's rookie contract, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Fully cleared for offseason program
Brooks (knee) said Tuesday that he's been fully cleared to participate in the Panthers' offseason program, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.