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Jonathon Brooks injury status: Latest from Panthers coach Dave Canales on rookie RB

ayrton ostly, usa today
·2 min read

The Carolina Panthers are back from their bye this Sunday and will host the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in one of their toughest matchups on the schedule.

Kansas City's defense is fifth in yards allowed and eighth in points allowed this season. They're especially stout against the run, allowing the third-fewest yards per game in the NFL.

The Panthers' offense had one of their better performances last time out against the Giants in Munich. The Chiefs are a much better defense but the Panthers will be getting some reinforcements in the backfield this week to help against the defending champions.

Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks was activated from the injured reserve list on Nov. 6 and that move required the Panthers to activate him within the next 21 days. Here's the latest on his status for Week 12.

Is Jonathan Brooks playing?

Yes. Both Carolina coach Dave Canales and Brooks confirmed on Monday that he will make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I'm excited just to be able to get back on the field and play a game that I love," Brooks said. "It's truly a blessing just to be able to get back out there and be 100% and be able to play football again."

Canales clarified his role for Sunday on Friday afternoon. Chuba Hubbard, the NFL's fourth-leading rusher entering Week 12, will remain the starter but Brooks will not be limited in any way. If Hubbard gets injured or has to miss time for any reason, Brooks will step up to be the lead back.

"[Hubbard] will go but we'll get Brooks out there," Canales said.

Carolina Panthers rushing stats

With Hubbard in the lead role, the Panthers are averaging more than 100 rushing yards per game. Hubbard's scored six rushing touchdowns in addition to his 818 yards this season.

Here's how the team ranks league-wide:

  • Rushing yards per game: 110.0 (24th)

  • Yards per attempt: 4.6 (T-9th)

  • Rushing touchdowns: 8 (T-17th)

Panthers RB depth chart

Hubbard will remain the No. 1 running back this week with Brooks behind him. Here's how the rest of the depth chart looks:

Running backs Dillon Johnson and Mike Boone are also signed to the Panthers' practice squad.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jonathon Brooks injury update: Status for Panthers RB in Week 12