The Panthers are set to welcome another key player back into their lineup this week. Head coach Dave Canales announced that rookie running back is expected to make his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I fully expect JB to make his debut this week,” Canales said after the team’s first practice following their bye week. “We have a few practices to go through to ensure we’re ready. Same with Adam Thielen—just getting him back out there. They were moving around today, and my hope is to have both of them ready.”
Thielen, who has been sidelined since Week 3 with a hamstring injury, was placed on injured reserve earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Brooks, a first-round pick out of Texas, has spent his time rehabbing from an ACL tear he suffered in college last November. Though he was activated prior to the Week 10 game against the Giants, the Panthers opted to delay his debut to ensure he was fully prepared.
Brooks, the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, is no stranger to patience. At Texas, he spent two seasons behind Falcons standout Bijan Robinson before having his breakout year. Reflecting on his recovery, Brooks shared his progress: “I feel a lot stronger through rehab, the reps in practice, and mentally and physically overall. The more time you have to recover, the better you’ll feel, and I’m excited to get back out there.”
The Panthers have been cautious with Brooks’ recovery, but his debut adds a fresh dynamic to the team’s offense heading into a challenging matchup against the Chiefs.
Although Jonathon Brooks’ knee feels stronger, his emotions remain uncertain as he prepares for his NFL debut on Sunday. The rookie running back admitted he isn’t sure how he’ll feel in the moment since it’s an experience he’s yet to have in the league.
“I feel like however I feel is however I feel,” Brooks said Monday. “I won’t know until I’m in the moment. But I can just picture it being a good feeling, a great feeling—feeling blessed and ready for it.”
When asked about limiting Brooks’ workload, head coach Dave Canales confirmed there wouldn’t be strict restrictions. “Not really,” Canales said. “Once a guy is ready to play, we want him to play. We’ll have a game plan, but we’re not looking for a specific number [of carries]. The goal is to prepare him to play a normal football game with confidence.”
The presence of Chuba Hubbard, who has been the team’s leading rusher this season, gives the Panthers flexibility in easing Brooks into action. Miles Sanders has accounted for only 38 non-Hubbard rushing attempts so far this season, leaving room for Brooks to contribute.
Canales emphasized the importance of Brooks being fully ready for the challenge. “When you prepare someone for Sunday, the confidence has to be there that they can just go out and play,” he explained. “That’s what we want for him.”
Thielen and Sanders updates
Panthers head coach Dave Canales also anticipates wide receiver Adam Thielen returning to action this week. Before a hamstring injury sidelined him in Week 3, Thielen had been productive, recording eight catches on 12 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown in just over two games.
Thielen acknowledged facing “a couple of setbacks” during his recovery but expressed cautious optimism about playing against the Chiefs this Sunday. The bye week seems to have provided a boost to his rehabilitation.
“Obviously, it’s a lot of days from now until the game, but I’m encouraged with how today went,” Thielen said Monday. “Still have to gain some ground to feel really good about playing on Sunday, but I’m definitely encouraged. I took full advantage of the week and am excited to be back out there moving around with my team.”
Thielen’s potential return would provide a significant lift for Carolina’s passing attack as they prepare for a tough matchup against Kansas City.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales revealed that running back Miles Sanders is unlikely to play this week after sustaining an ankle injury during the team’s game against the Giants in Germany.
“Just gathering more information on the ankle injury,” Canales said. “We’re taking it week by week, and we’ll provide a more concrete update once we have additional details.”
With Sanders sidelined, the Panthers will likely lean on Chuba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks to carry the workload in the backfield for their upcoming matchup.
The center of it all
The Panthers’ offensive line, a year removed from significant struggles, now faces a unique challenge of managing its depth and versatility as players return from injury. Left tackle **Ikem Ekwonu** is expected back this week after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in Week 8. During Ekwonu’s absence, **Brady Christensen** shifted to left tackle, leaving his original role at center vacant.
In Christensen’s place at center, **Cade Mays** has stepped in and performed admirably over the past two games. With Ekwonu’s return, the coaching staff must now decide whether to return Christensen to center or maintain Mays in that role. During Monday’s practice, both Christensen and Mays took snaps at center, suggesting that the competition for the spot remains open as the team evaluates the best lineup configuration.
This flexibility on the offensive line is a welcome dilemma for a Panthers team looking to build consistency and protect its recovering offensive weapons.
Panthers head coach **Dave Canales** highlighted the unique challenge—and opportunity—posed by the versatility of **Brady Christensen** as they assess the best lineup for their offensive line heading into the game against the Chiefs. With **Ikem Ekwonu** returning to left tackle, Christensen’s ability to play multiple positions, including center, has opened up options for the coaching staff.
**Cade Mays**, who has stepped in as center during Christensen’s shift to left tackle, has played two solid games in tandem with quarterback **Bryce Young**, making the decision more complex. Canales acknowledged the importance of continuity for Young, emphasizing that Mays’ recent performance will weigh into their considerations.
Canales praised Christensen’s adaptability, calling it “really rare” and “valuable,” while Ekwonu echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how impressive it has been to see Christensen seamlessly shift roles and excel.
Ultimately, Canales suggested that Christensen’s versatility makes him the team’s “swing lineman,” capable of playing all five spots on the line. “What’s the right football thing to do, first and foremost,” Canales said, underlining that the final decision will be made with both immediate needs and long-term team performance in mind.
A 30,000 foot view
**Adam Thielen**, aiming for a return this week, reflected on the strides made by the Panthers’ offense during his time sidelined by injury. Watching from the sidelines allowed Thielen to observe the development of the team, particularly the emergence of the rookie wide receiver duo **Xavier Legette** and **Jalen Coker**, as well as the growing confidence of quarterback **Bryce Young**.
Thielen noted a shift in both individual and collective confidence within the offense. He highlighted how players are beginning to execute the “little things” they’ve been coached to focus on, which has led to tangible success on the field. “You kind of see the light bulb turn on,” Thielen remarked, referring to players’ ability to connect their preparation to performance.
Despite embracing a mentor-like role, Thielen made it clear he is eager to return to action. “I’d rather be on the field playing,” he shared, but also acknowledged the satisfaction of seeing his teammates succeed. His support of the young receiving corps and admiration for Young’s recent performances underscore his value not only as a player but also as a leader in the locker room.
**Chuba Hubbard** has been one of the standout performers for the Panthers, posting a career-high 153 rushing yards and a touchdown in the team’s win over the Giants in Germany. His 818 rushing yards currently place him fourth in the NFL. This surge in production comes as **Dave Canales** has remained committed to a consistent and powerful running game, which has started to pay off for the Panthers in recent weeks.
Left tackle **Ikem Ekwonu** has taken notice of the team’s improved consistency on the ground, commenting on how the running game has reached a new level. He pointed out that while the team had some strong moments early in the season, the recent consistency has made the offense more dynamic and effective. Ekwonu, who has been a key part of the offensive line, expressed pride in watching the team execute the run game and called it “fun to see” as they “ground and pound” their way to success. The solid performance in the run game has been a positive development for the Panthers as they continue to build their offense around a reliable ground attack.
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