Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks preparing for OTAs after second ACL surgery

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Jonathon Brooks’ comeback attempt from a second ACL surgery will begin in earnest this spring.

The Carolina Panthers’ third-year running back is expected to be ready for the start of OTAs in April, Panthers coach Dave Canales said Monday at the NFL league meetings.

Brooks, a second-round pick from Texas, hasn’t played since Dec. 8, 2024, when he tore the ACL in his right knee on a non-contact play against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brooks first injured his knee against TCU on Nov. 11, 2023, during his final college season.

“I’m open to whatever he wants to bring and I know what he looked like prior to the injury. I know what that player looks like, so I have that in the back of my mind. And that’s a vision that I hope he has too, so that we can go and attack that,” Canales said during the NFC coaches breakfast at the Arizona Biltmore. “How do we get to a point where you can play your best, where you can be ready? And that’ll be our goal.”

Brooks, who’s still only 22, made his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs late in his rookie season. He showed his explosiveness during a Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when his first touch went for an 18-yard completion. He finished with nine touches, including five in a row when the Panthers were in scoring position.

Brooks told The Athletic in December his goal was to return to the field by the spring.

“I want to be back for OTAs so I can get back on that football field and get back to running the plays full speed, being in a team setting. Just so whenever we do hit (training) camp, I can hit the ground running and ultimately, just prove myself,” he said.

“I feel like I haven’t gotten that chance in the league to prove myself. And that’s OK. It’s a part of God’s plan. And I know that when I get out there, I trust in myself, trust in my teammates, trust in God that I’ll be able to get it done.”

Canales said the Panthers would do the “right thing” with Brooks, who was one of the nation’s leading rushers at the time of his first ACL tear at Texas.

“But I see the excitement,” Canales added. “He’s been in the building. He’s been working out. He’s been training with our guys. And I know that he’s excited about this opportunity to compete.”

 

Once again, thanks to Jerry Jones for telling the world before the draft that the Cowboys were targeting Brooks, because showing your cards is the best way to get the player you want in the draft!