Dynamic offensive weapon is already turning heads in a major way during the first day of Panthers OTAs
Carolina Panthers former second-round running back Jonathon Brooks was turning heads in a big way during the first day of organized team activities as he looks to finally return from serious knee injury.
It was a rain soaked day in Charlotte, North Carolina as the Carolina Panthers kicked off the first day of organized team activities with reporters present watching the entire team work out on the field.
As sloppy as the weather was, the Panthers offense showed some encouraging signs on Day 1. Quarterback Bryce Young was vocal on the field regarding some of the issues with drops after the weather subsided while rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II showcased his downfield speed against Carolina’s defense.
The real highlight from the first day of OTAs, however, was the return of former second-round running back Jonathon Brooks.
Jonathon Brooks stands out during the first day of OTAs for the Carolina Panthers
After being selected 46th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brooks has played just a total of 23 offensive snaps for the Panthers. Entering the league, Brooks was recovering from a torn ACL suffered in his final season at Texas. Three games into his professional career, he suffered another severe knee injury that forced him to miss the entire 2025 season.
Ahead of OTAs, Brooks offered some encouraging words that he was nearing a return to finally prove to the team what he can bring to the offense.
“Feels good getting back to the football movements,” Brooks said in late April. “Obviously it’s something I have to work on. Feel close to 100 percent, getting there. Still just going with the plan they have for me.”
Brooks was finally back in action on Wednesday and was making some highlight plays with the first team offense. Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer noted that Brooks was looking “bulkier than in the past” while still being able to rip off long runs and catch screen passes out of the backfield.
“It brings me a lot of joy to be able to see him out there,” head coach Dave Canales said after practice. “Didn’t see any hesitation, just a lot of speed and decisiveness in how he ran the ball today. Got him on the perimeter on a screen and (he) made some good yards on one of our screens today. Not just me, I think his teammates would say the same thing. Just really excited to see Jonathon be out there and do what he loves to do.”
After letting Rico Dowdle walk in free agency, the Panthers let over 200 carries go out of the door that they’ll need to replace of offense alongside Chuba Hubbard. Brooks is showing promising signs of being that second fiddle in the backfield. Canales also shared some post-practice thoughts on new veteran running back AJ Dillon.
“AJ’s got a great opportunity to compete,” Canales said. “There’s more than one way to help this team. There’s not just running the ball, there’s pass protection, route-running, there’s special teams. These are all things that AJ’s had practice and experience in. He brings just another veteran player into that room, which is a competitive room. We just expect him to show up every day and compete. We’ll see where all that plays out.”
We’ll see how Brooks, Dillon, and the rest of the offense continue to look as OTAs continue throughout the week. But, it was a very promising day from the dynamic young back the team is excited to have back.