RB Jonathon Brooks out of practice with soreness, but Panthers unconcerned

Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks remained out of practice on Wednesday, but head coach Dave Canales is unconcerned that Brooks' injury will keep him out of the season opener.

"I'm very optimistic he'll be available for Week 1," Canales said Wednesday, via ESPN's Mike Kaye.

Brooks is dealing with "soreness" Canales revealed Tuesday, but Canales would not specify the location of Brooks' discomfort.

Brooks has undergone back-to-back ACL surgeries on his right knee, but he participated in all of training camp and two preseason games this summer. He played 17 snaps in the preseason.

He tore his right ACL against the Eagles in December 2024, a season after tearing it while playing for the University of Texas. Brooks missed all of the 2025 season.

In the three games he played as a rookie in 2024, Brooks had 12 touches for 45 yards.

Brooks is expected to complement Chuba Hubbard, with journeyman AJ Dillon also on the active roster. Trevor Etienne is on injured reserve with a designation to return as he works his way back from an ankle injury.