Is Jonathon Brooks The Starting Running Back For The Panthers When He Returns? Week 10 Update

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is in the final week of his practice window before he must be elevated to the active roster by his team or miss the remainder of the season. It's likely the team didn't open his window just to never activate him, meaning his return is probably imminent.

It will mark the first game the rookie has played in his career since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His return has been pushed back multiple times, so it's a breath of fresh air for fantasy managers who drafted him to see that he's finally slated to return soon.

But will he be the starting back for the team when he returns to play?

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Will Jonathon Brooks Start For The Panthers When He Returns?

It's likely that he won't. At least not initially. Numbers-wise, his backfield mate and fourth-year pro Chuba Hubbard has played extremely well. He's the RB9 in PPR this season, showing off his skills and the value of the RB1 role under head coach Dave Canales. We saw Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White smash in this role last season.

Chuba Hubbard is currently sitting at 5th overall in the NFL in Rushing yards this season pic.twitter.com/SwUlYAUKcA

— IAmWestsideFetti 💙🖤🤟🏾 (@4MR_Fetti) November 4, 2024

Hubbard hasn't fared especially well in the advanced stats department, though, which has a collection of figures that attempt to isolate RB production from offensive line play and running schemes. This could indicate that Brooks can produce well, and that Hubbard isn't some incredible talent, but somewhat of a product of his environment.

Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Football Outlook

It will all depend on the health of his knee and the workload he gets when he returns. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a ton in his first few weeks volume-wise. He could break off big plays, though, and his ability to create explosive gains is part of the reason he was the first back drafted this season.

Here's 3 minutes of Jonathon Brooks being an absolute beast for your timeline today pic.twitter.com/bue2kdMP1p

— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) July 25, 2023

We just have to hope he gets the ball a lot. Only time will tell. He should not be on waivers in any leagues, though. The contingent upside is far too high, and if given the proper workload, he could easily be a league-winner in the playoffs, especially in PPR leagues.

More Fantasy Football Analysis