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
Jonathon Brooks
Working off to side Wednesday
Brooks (soreness) was working off to the side with a trainer during Wednesday's practice, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Dealing with soreness Tuesday
Coach Dave Canales said Brooks missed practice Tuesday due to general soreness, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
Chuba Hubbard
Returns to practice Tuesday
Hubbard (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Trevor Etienne
Placed on IR, designated to return
Etienne (ankle) was placed on injured reserve by the Panthers on Sunday with a designation to return, Darin Gantt of the team's official website reports.
Bobby Okereke
Signing with Carolina
Okereke is signing a contract with the Panthers, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
John Metchie III
Quiet in preseason finale
Metchie caught one of three targets for five yards and returned two kickoffs for 47 yards in Friday's 16-13 preseason win over the Texans.
Jimmy Horn Jr.
Only two touches in final exhibition game
Horn caught his only target for five yards and added six yards on his only carry during Friday's 16-13 preseason win over the Texans.
AJ Dillon
Busy in exhibition finale
Dillon carried the ball six times for 12 yards and caught three of four passes for 20 yards in Friday's 16-13 preseason win over the Texans.
Darren Waller
Not expected to play in preseason finale
Coach Dave Canales indicated that Waller is not expected to suit up for Friday's preseason finale against the Texans, Anthony Rizzuti of USA Today reports.
Xavier Legette
Remains in walking boot
Legette (ankle) will remain in a walking boot on his foot until Thursday, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.