Brooks’ Panthers return remains uncertain after third missed practice
Carolina running back Jonathon Brooks worked with trainers but remains unconfirmed for Sunday’s season opener against Chicago.
Jonathon Brooks missed his third consecutive practice with general soreness on Monday, leaving his availability for the Carolina Panthers’ season opener against the Chicago Bears unresolved.
Brooks worked on the side with trainers during a short, non-padded session and ran during the workout. Panthers coach Dave Canales said the team would assess his progress one day at a time.
Canales said last week he was “very optimistic” Brooks would play in Week 1, but stopped short of confirming his availability. Brooks was not made available to reporters after Monday’s session.
Brooks has missed 31 of 34 regular-season games since joining Carolina. The Panthers view him as a potential complement to starting running back Chuba Hubbard, but the cause and severity of his soreness have not been specified.
Carolina ranked 19th in the NFL in rushing last season, while Chicago’s defence ranked 22nd against the run. The Panthers are scheduled to open their season against the Bears on Sunday.
