Officially limited Wednesday
Brooks (groin) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
There's now an official body part attached to Brooks after the Panthers were forced to clarify the running back's injury on the team's first official injury report of the season. Brooks has been dealing with "soreness" for more than a week now, and the good news is it's not in his surgically-repaired knee. He was in full pads Wednesday, and a limited start to the week gives Brooks a good chance to play Sunday against the Bears. Chuba Hubbard is expected to open 2026 as the 1A to Brooks' 1B in the Carolina backfield.
More Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football News
Jonathon Brooks
Declares himself 100 percent
Brooks (groin) said Wednesday he's 100 percent healthy and expects to play Sunday against the Bears, Steve Reed reports.
Xavier Legette
Past ankle injury
Legette (ankle) is not listed on the Panthers' injury report Wednesday.
Chuba Hubbard
Not listed on injury report
Hubbard (hamstring) was not listed on the Panthers' injury report Wednesday.
Jonathon Brooks
Practicing in pads Wednesday
Brooks (general soreness) is in uniform and pads at Wednesday's practice, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Darren Waller
Preparing to play Week 1
Waller said Monday that he's practicing as if he's going to play in Sunday's game against the Bears, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Works off to side Monday
Brooks (general soreness) was spotted working out of to the side during Monday's practice, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Jalen Coker
Listed as starting WR
Coker is listed as a starting wide receiver on the Panthers' unofficial depth chart.
Bryce Young
Working with new play caller
Young will be working with a new play caller in 2026 with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik taking those duties from head coach Dave Canales, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Darren Waller
Jumps into team drills Wednesday
Waller, who signed with the Panthers on Aug. 12, took part in team drills with the first-team offense Wednesday as the coaching staff looks to get him fully incorporated ahead of Week 1, Kassidy Hill of the team's official site reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
In line for more slot work in 2026
Coach Dave Canales suggested Wednesday that McMillan will work out of the slot more this season, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.