Will Panthers RB play this week?

The Carolina Panthers return from their bye week in Week 12 for one of their toughest games of the season against the two-time defending champions Kansas City Chiefs.

Kansas City (9-1) saw their undefeated streak end in Week 11 with a 30-21 loss on the way to the Buffalo Bills. They remain on the road against Carolina (3-7), who won consecutive games for the first time since 2021 before their bye.

The Panthers should get a boost this week with a number of players returning after the injury report. Here’s the latest on one of those players, running back Jonathon Brooks.

Jonathon Brooks injury update

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said Monday he expects Brooks to play Sunday against the Chiefs. Brooks also confirmed this when he spoke to reporters.

“I’m excited to be able to get back on the field and play a game I love,” Brooks said. “It’s really a blessing to be able to go back out there and be 100% and be able to play football again.”

Carolina selected Brooks in the second round, 46th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was the first running back selected in the draft.

When was Jonathon Brooks injured?

Brooks was injured during his final season of college football. He tore his ACL in Texas’ 29-26 win over TCU on November 11, 2023 and missed the Longhorns‘ Remaining matches after surgery. Carolina placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list prior to the season.

The Panthers activated him from injured reserve on November 6, giving him 21 days to make his season debut.

Panthers RB depth chart

Hubbard has taken the lead, but the Panthers have several running backs behind him on the roster. Here’s how things look for Carolina entering Week 12:

The Panthers also signed running backs Dillon Johnson and Mike Boone to the practice squad.

Carolina Panthers quick stats

Without Brooks in the lineup, Carolina has relied on it Chuba Hubbard as the primary running back. Hubbard played well, entering Week 12 fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (818) and tied for 12th in rushing touchdowns (six).

Here’s how the team ranks across the league:

Rushing yards per play: 110.0 (24th)
Yards per attempt: 4.6 (T-9e)
Rushing Touchdowns: 8 (T-17e)