After some more injury concerns around Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks in recent weeks, fans were right to be a little concerned. But he is all systems go for Week 1, with no limitations heading into the contest.
And that should give the Panthers a completely different offensive dynamic.
It's been a frustrating start to Brooks' career in Carolina. Two successive torn ACLs on the same knee will do that, but the No. 46 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has displayed tremendous resolve to fight back in the face of significant adversity.
Jonathon Brooks has the green light to begin his first Carolina Panthers season in three years
Now, his big moment has arrived.
Brooks will be on a regular-season field for the first time since December 2024, when the Panthers host the Chicago Bears to begin their campaign. He'll be eager to make up for some lost time, but the Panthers will likely remain cautious, with Chuba Hubbard also capable of shouldering some of the backfield load.
Still, having Brooks in the lineup is a major boost. And it's something the Bears' defense will have to account for at all times.
Head coach Dave Canales seemed suitably bullish when discussing Brooks' status. He stated it was all systems go, and after so long out of real action, he is eager to see the Texas product showcase what he can bring to the table.
And with Hubbard also healthy, Canales is expecting this duo to be a formidable tandem for Carolina to build its offense around.
"No limitations. Just ready to see him play. And try to utilize his talents the best way possible, with some different things. But also just running the football. Very excited to see Chuba (Hubbard) get back to his work, and this is a tandem that we've been thinking about for a really long time, and I'm excited to see those guys get out there and help their team."
Jonathon Brooks brings a completely different dynamic to Carolina Panthers' offense
Brooks might be utilized more as a pass-catching threat initially. Giving him a full workload right out of the gate doesn't seem smart, so finding the correct balance will be key for offensive coordinator Brad Idzik.
There is no doubt Brooks will be relishing the prospect of getting his moment to shine. The explosiveness and speed haven't deserted him, based on his exploits throughout the summer. But the real evidence will come when he faces physical contact versus a Bears defense that has no trouble leaving their mark.
After so much doom and gloom around Brooks for the best part of three years, there is now light at the end of the tunnel. And the talent has never been in question.
This is a dynamic running back capable of flipping any game on its head. That's been largely forgotten amid the constant stream of injury woes, but Brooks now gets the chance to remind everyone who he truly is and what he can bring to the Panthers long-term.
And with no remaining limitations, the sky is the limit.
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