The Panthers have placed rookie RB Jonathon Brooks on the active/non-football injury list. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that it was an expected move, related to Brooks return from the November ACL tear that ended his final college season.
What They're Saying
Brooks in April, right after the Panthers drafted him in Round 2: "I'm out there. I'm running. I'm about to start cutting. So I'm progressing well. I'm right on track on where I need to be."
Panthers HC Dave Canales on Brooks' potential: "There's so much that he brings from a versatility standpoint. He's got it all. He's the best back in this class, and we're so fired up to be able to bring him in."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
We all knew about this issue ahead of the draft. And the timing of Brooks' injury made it likely to impact his start of training camp.
What we don't know is how long it'll impact him.
Brooks is eligible to come off the NFI and take the field at any point. The sooner he does so would obviously be better for the rookie's preparation.
That said, you should expect a limited start to his first season.
No matter how excited Carolina is for Brooks over the longer term, the team should be more motivated to ease Brooks back into game action than to overwork him early.
Dynasty Impact
Don't let this news impact your dynasty outlook for the top RB in the 2024 class.
The NFI list was an expected step, not a setback in his rehab.
If you see a league mate panicking, considering reaching out with a trade offer to take that burden of their hands.
Other Winners & Losers
The longer Brooks is not a full go, the more opportunities Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Rashaad Penny get.
None of them should be viewed as serious competition for a healthy Brooks.