Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks missed his third consecutive practice due to "general soreness," but Head Coach Dave Canales expressed optimism that the player will be ready for the team's season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Brooks worked on the side with trainers on Monday while his teammates participated in a short, non-padded practice. "We have to just keep taking it one day at a time," Canales stated. "He ran out there today. We’ll see (where he is) and compare it to what he looked like before and we’ll go from there."
Last week, Canales had indicated he was "very optimistic" about Brooks' availability for Week 1. Brooks has faced significant time away from the field, missing 31 of 34 regular-season games since joining the Panthers. Despite this, the team values his potential and believes he can be a strong complement to starter Chuba Hubbard if he can maintain his health.
Last season, the Panthers ranked 19th in the league in rushing, averaging 116.3 yards per game. They are set to face a Bears defense that allowed 134.5 yards per game in 2023, placing them 22nd in the league.
Canales highlighted Brooks' ability to make plays in open space, particularly in the passing and screen game, and noted his "home run speed." He described Brooks' speed as deceiving, explaining that his smooth, long strides can make him appear slower than he is until he pulls away from defenders. "Once he sets an angle, all of a sudden you see people start turning and realize he’s moving a lot faster than you think he is because he’s such a smooth, long strider," Canales said.
Brooks was not available to speak with reporters during the team's open locker room session on Monday. Panthers guard Damien Lewis commented on Brooks' explosiveness, noting his ability to hit holes quickly which simplifies blocking assignments for the offensive line. "He's really explosive," Lewis said. "When he gets that ball, he sees the space, he gone."