The Carolina Panthers have officially opened Jonathon Brooks' 21-day return window following another spell on injured reserve. And this could be the running back's last shot to prove he can be part of this franchise's future.
Brooks has barely seen the field since the Panthers traded up to land him with the No. 46 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was recovering from a torn ACL at the time, and the Texas product lasted three games before suffering the same injury on the same knee.
The 2025 campaign was out of the question for Brooks, but he got the all-clear to resume football activities before organized team activities began this offseason.
Jonathon Brooks faces a race against time to cement his Carolina Panthers' role
Everything was looking up for Brooks. He was healthy and hadn't lost any explosiveness, according to those in attendance over the summer. But as has been the case throughout his NFL journey, another setback emerged.
Brooks sustained a core muscle injury. He tried to shake it off, but the Panthers placed him on injured reserve after he needed surgery.
It's been a long wait. Brooks hasn't been seen since Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, so expecting miracles right away is unrealistic. But if he can come in as a complementary, change-of-pace option behind Chuba Hubbard, that's all the Panthers need.
Hubbard is having an outstanding year, racking up 619 rushing yards and five touchdowns through eight contests. The Oklahoma State product has accumulated 786 yards from scrimmage with seven scores, reclaiming his status as a legitimate focal point.
That takes the pressure off Brooks, to a certain extent.
But if he gets hurt again or cannot produce when his number is called, the Panthers may have no option but to enter the running back market in free agency or the draft.
Jonathon Brooks has talent, but the Carolina Panthers need him to stay healthy
What comes next depends on Brooks.
And he must deliver.
Brooks has talent. He blazed a trail in college and certainly flashed exciting traits in Carolina for the brief time he's been on the field. However, the best ability is availability, and the third-year pro hasn't been available nearly enough.
The Panthers will only wait for so long. They have taken things cautiously with Brooks and believe he can be a massive asset when he finally puts everything together.
But this is the NFL, and everyone has a tipping point.
If anyone deserves a bit of luck from now on, it's Brooks. He's been through more than most in recent years, and it's taken huge resolve to get here. These setbacks have only strengthened his desire, so he'll be raring to go when the Panthers finally give him the green light.
This might be now or never for Brooks. And even though he has just five career games under his belt, 2027 is somehow a contract year for the dual-threat weapon.
The Panthers have given him time. But when Brooks gets back, time is exactly what he doesn't have.
Let's hope it goes well. If it does, this will be a game changer.
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