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David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will remain on the physically unable to perform/non-football list to open the season, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
It means the second-round pick out of Texas will miss at least the first four games.
Brooks has not practiced since Carolina traded draft picks Nos. 52, 142 and 155 to the Indianapolis Colts to select Brooks at No. 46 in April. He’s still recovering from ACL surgery in November after injuring his right knee against TCU.
Panthers coach Dave Canales has been adamant that Brooks is on the right track, but that it’s more important to be patient and not rush him back. He said early during training camp that Brooks likely wouldn’t be ready until least Weeks 3 or 4, at the earliest.
Brooks, when he last spoke to reporters during offseason workouts, seemingly understands.
“You kind of just have to look at your future,” Brooks said at the time. “… I just have to know that for me to have patience is going to help me further my career.”
Chuba Hubbard, in the last year of his contract, will open the season as the starter. He will be backed up by Miles Sanders, who lost the starting job last season.