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Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has high expectations heading into the NFL, especially since he was the only ball carrier selected in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, his rookie season could get off to a slow start due to a major knee injury he suffered in his final season at Texas.
Redraft, Best Ball, and dynasty fantasy managers shouldn't worry about early-season production exclusively, but his return timeline will greatly impact his 2024 fantasy value.
Is Brooks still injured, or is he healthy? We have Brooks' latest injury update and a hint at whether or not he'll participate in training camp. Let's dive in.
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Jonathon Brooks Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Brooks (knee) is on track to be ready to participate in training camp this summer. The 20-year-old tore his ACL in November, but the injury didn't come with additional ligament damage. He has already started running, which is obviously a positive sign for his debut season availability.
From our NFL Draft coverage: New #Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks should be recovered by training camp after tearing his ACL last season. pic.twitter.com/hAnGnAT0l9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2024
The Texas Longhorn alum racked up 1,139 rushing yards and 286 receiving yards in 11 games in his final collegiate season in 2023 before tearing his ACL. Although he was unable to participate in on-field work during the pre-draft process, Carolina was clearly comfortable with his medical report.
Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Football Outlook
Brooks is firmly on the fantasy football radar thanks to his draft capital, but expectations should be tempered in Year 1. He's not an elite prospect like Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, Jahmyr Gibbs, or Saquon Barkley were coming into the league, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect earth-shattering production immediately.
Additionally, the Panthers offense could remain one of the worst units in the NFL, which limits Brooks' touchdown upside and efficiency. While Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Rashaad Penny are far from superstars, two or three of them will likely see touches in head coach Dave Canales' new offense -- especially while Brooks is eased into action. ACL injuries aren't career-enders like they used to be, but players often don't get back to full strength until they are a full season removed from their surgery.
If you're interested in targeting Brooks for 2024 fantasy leagues, he should be picked in the RB3 or RB4 range. He could exceed expectations, but his profile, injury concerns, and situation don't suggest he'll be a locked-in top-24 RB right away.
First running back off the board is Jonathon Brooks at 46th overall to the Carolina Panthers!!!
I'M SO HAPPY FOR THIS DUDE! pic.twitter.com/IMPBsGVDiZ
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) April 27, 2024
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