Panthers smartly exercise patience with recovering rookie RB

Earlier this offseason, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he's confident that his team will "be able to have a successful run game" in 2024.

That's something Carolina didn't have last season, ranking in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards per game (104.1). It's also the reason it traded up in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select running back Jonathon Brooks.

However, the Panthers may not see instant results to start the season after deciding to leave Brooks on the physically unable to perform/non-football injury (PUP/NFI) list, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Brooks is now ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season, but it is a smart move as the rookie running back continues work his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered during his final season at Texas.

The 21-year-old will eventually be given a chance to be a factor for Carolina this season, but there's no need to rush him back onto the field and risk him getting re-injured with his long-term upside.

"Adding Jonathan, an opportunity came to us with a really talented guy," Canales said on "The Season with Peter Schrager" podcast. "...I'm just excited about the talent."

While the Panthers should be an improved team this season, they are still far from being contenders following their 2-15 campaign a year ago. That's why they shouldn't put Brooks back on the field until he's fully ready, and it seems like that is the plan.

In the meantime, veteran running backs Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear will lead Carolina's backfield in what will likely be a committee approach until Brooks can make his much-anticipated debut.

Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards (6.1 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns before suffering his season-ending injury in his final year at Texas.