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The first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft was former Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, as he landed with the Carolina Panthers early in the second round. He was the only running back taken within the first two rounds, which automatically gives him plenty of fantasy football intrigue.
However, Brooks has not yet made his NFL debut, and fantasy managers who are stashing him are surely antsy to get him into their lineups at some point this season.
When will Brooks return to the field and make his pro debut? What is his fantasy football outlook when that happens? Let's dive in.
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Jonathon Brooks Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Brooks (knee) was on the PUP (Physically Unable To Perform) list during his first NFL training camp, and he remained on the list when the regular season began. He came into the league dealing with an ACL tear in November of 2024, so his early-season absence was expected.
The 21-year-old is eligible to return from the PUP list in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears, but that doesn't mean it will happen. That said, Brooks is in the final stages in returning to play, according to head coach Dave Canales.
Jonathan Brooks, DJ Wonnum, Dane Jackson, and Amare Barno are in the final stages in returning to play, per Dave Canales.
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) September 25, 2024
For now, fantasy managers should continue to stash him in the IR spot, and if he's available on the waiver wire and you need help at running back, he's worth a pickup.
Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Football Outlook
The Panthers offense looked lifeless in Week 1 and Week 2 with Bryce Young under center, but veteran quarterback Andy Dalton gave the unit a spark in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Carolina racked up 36 points, Dalton passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns, and running backs Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard combined for 199 total yards and two touchdowns.
While we can't expect the Carolina offense to operate as an elite unit moving forward, Dalton's presence in the lineup quietly brings more optimism for Brooks when he returns. The team might ease him along following his major knee injury, but if he returns soon, he could ramp up to a workhorse role late in his rookie campaign.
Brooks has do-it-all size and is a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, and his draft capital suggests the team will feed him at some point. Hopefully, that comes in his rookie season. Either way, he could become at least a low-end flex option in 2024.
JONATHON BROOKS 40 YARD TOUCHDOWN
TEXAS 7-0 pic.twitter.com/A6ovcG8cwx
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) September 24, 2023
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