Optimism for Week 1
Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday he's "very optimistic" Brooks (soreness) will be available for Week 1 against the Bears, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
It's unclear if Brooks' soreness is in his surgically-repaired knee or elsewhere, but he's worked off to the side with trainers at practice each of the last two days. While Brooks has drawn a substantial amount of summer hype, Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) is expected to maintain a large role in the Carolina backfield. Neither running back may be a reliable fantasy bet out of the gates against Chicago.
More Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football News
Jalen Coker
Limited in practice Wednesday
Coker (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Jalen Coker
Working on side Wednesday
Coker (ankle) is suited up but working with trainers on a side field at Wednesday's practice, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
John Metchie III
Takes over return duties
Metchie is now the No. 1 returner on the Panthers' depth chart, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reported Tuesday.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Misses PAT in loss
Fitzgerald made four of his five PATs and converted his sole field-goal attempt in Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears.
Xavier Legette
Quiet outing Week 1
Legette failed to haul in either of his targets and returned two kickoffs for 51 yards during Carolina's loss to the Bears on Sunday.
Jalen Coker
In walking boot Monday
Coker is in a walking boot Monday after sustaining a left ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Bears, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Darren Waller
Goes for 28 yards in Week 1
Waller secured both of his targets for 28 yards in the Panthers' 59-37 loss to the Bears on Sunday.
Jonathon Brooks
Logs five touches Sunday
Brooks notched four carries for 14 yards and one catch (on two targets) for 48 yards during Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears.
Tetairoa McMillan
Salvages day in second half in Week 1
McMillan caught five of eight targets for 75 yards in Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears.
Chuba Hubbard
Finds end zone twice in Week 1 loss
Hubbard carried the ball 10 times for 49 yards and a touchdown and caught all three of his targets for 38 yards and another score in Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears.