Panthers place rookie RB Jonathon Brooks on active/NFI list

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is still not quite ready to hit the field.

As announced by the team on Friday, Brooks has been placed on the active/non-football injury list ahead of year’s training camp. The soon-to-be 21-year-old rusher remains on the road to recovery from a torn ACL, an injury he sustained in November of 2023.

The Panthers traded up to select the University of Texas standout with the 46th overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft. Brooks spoke on the challenges of returning from such a setback during rookie minicamp.

“You gotta be mentally tough more than anything,” Brooks said back in early May. “Physically, obviously, it gets better. Mentally, it gets better. But for me, it was more mentally. As far as rehab, it’s just the mental part of it that’s the hardest part to get through.

“But I feel like it’s a blessing in disguise. God tested me. He’s making me a tougher person. But I’m still just blessed to be here, even regarding my situation.”

Although he has yet to be cleared for training camp, Brooks is eligible to be activated from the list at any time.