The loss of Jonathon Brooks for the 2025 season is a major blow to the Carolina Panthers’ offensive aspirations. It forces a re-evaluation of roles, depth, and strategy just as the team hoped to establish consistency and progress
Whether it’s Hubbard stepping up, Sanders rebounding, or an unexpected breakout from a rookie, someone will need to fill the void left by Brooks.
The path forward is filled with questions, but also opportunity. In the NFL, depth matters—and this situation will test just how ready the Panthers are to handle adversity.
Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle offer a formidable one-two punch, while Trevor Etienne and Raheem Blackshear provide intriguing depth and flexibility.
With Dave Canales orchestrating the offense, there’s reason to believe this group can thrive even without its promising rookie.
Training camp and preseason will play a crucial role in sorting out the final hierarchy, but the Panthers are in good hands — or legs — heading into 2025.
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Table of Contents
Jonathon Brooks’ 2025 Season Ends Before It Begins
The Carolina Panthers’ plans for a breakout season with running back Jonathon Brooks took a devastating hit when ESPN reported that he will miss the entire 2025 regular season due to an ACL injury.1
This marks the second major injury for Brooks in just over a year, raising concerns not only about his short-term availability but also his long-term durability and future with the team.
Brooks entered the NFL with high expectations following a standout career at the University of Texas. Known for his agility, vision, and breakaway speed, the young back was poised to take over as Carolina’s feature back in 2025.
After showing flashes of his talent in limited action during the 2024 season, Brooks had fully recovered from a torn ACL suffered in college and was expected to be the focal point of the Panthers’ rushing attack.
Unfortunately, this new injury is a massive setback. Suffering another ACL tear is not only a physical challenge but also a mental one, especially for a young player still establishing himself in the league. The Panthers will have to reassess their backfield situation while Brooks focuses on rehabilitation and recovery.
All Glory To God 🙏🏽 https://t.co/ZgWPU2n2k8
— Jonathon Brooks (@2brookss) April 26, 2025
Immediate Fallout: Depth Chart Shakeup
With Brooks sidelined, the Panthers must turn to the next men up. Their running back room now faces new pressure, as none of the remaining options bring the same combination of explosiveness and versatility that Brooks offered.
Still, there are names on the roster who may be able to step up in his absence.
Chuba Hubbard, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has proven to be a capable and dependable option. In 2024, he finished with over 800 rushing yards while splitting carries with veteran backs.
Known for his north-south running style and ability to handle a full workload, Hubbard may now be thrust into a starting role.
He lacks the elite burst of Brooks but brings valuable experience and consistency to the position. If he can improve his pass protection and receiving out of the backfield, Hubbard could emerge as the go-to back in 2025.
However, it’s clear the team did not envision him as the primary workhorse heading into the year, given Brooks’ projected role.
Jonathon Brooks: Can the Veteran Regain Form?
Miles Sanders signed with Carolina in 2023 as a high-profile free-agent addition but has underwhelmed since joining the team.2
Injuries and inconsistencies plagued his first two seasons, and he was quickly overtaken on the depth chart. With Brooks injured, Sanders now gets a second chance to reclaim a prominent role.
At his best, Sanders is a dynamic runner with strong lateral agility and soft hands. The question is whether he still possesses the burst that made him effective during his days with the Philadelphia Eagles.
If he can remain healthy and focused, he could be an important contributor—especially in third-down and passing situations.
Raheem Blackshear has primarily served as a special teams contributor and depth piece but could now find himself with more offensive responsibilities. Though undersized, Blackshear has good vision and deceptive strength, making him a potential change-of-pace option.
He won’t be expected to carry the load, but he could carve out a niche role, particularly in passing-down scenarios. His ability to return kicks adds versatility and value to his roster spot as the Panthers juggle their options.
Free Agent Options: A Possible Veteran Addition?
- With the running back market full of experienced veterans, the Panthers may look outside the organization to bring in support.
- Players such as Kareem Hunt, Leonard Fournette, or even a reunion with D’Onta Foreman could make sense for depth and leadership.
- These players could help stabilize the locker room and offer valuable snaps if the in-house options falter.
- Financial constraints and scheme fit will play a role, but Carolina’s front office may be forced to make a move if they’re serious about staying competitive in 2025.
- The Panthers brought in two undrafted rookie free agents following the 2025 NFL Draft—names that initially flew under the radar.
- With Brooks out, one of them may get a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster and even contributing early.
- Players like Malik Dixon (Florida State) and Elijah Warren (North Dakota State) were praised for their work ethic and potential during rookie minicamp.
- While they are long shots, their chances have increased significantly, and the preseason could be crucial for their development and evaluation.
Jonathon Brooks: The Coaching Perspective
Head coach Dave Canales, known for his creative offensive schemes, now faces a significant challenge in redesigning his playbook.3
Brooks was expected to be a dual-threat runner capable of impacting both the run and passing game. Without him, Canales must retool the offense to maximize the talents of Hubbard, Sanders, and others.
Expect more short-passing game concepts, increased use of the tight end, and a heavier reliance on quarterback Bryce Young to manage the game with quick decisions. The running back by committee (RBBC) approach seems likely.
Bryce Young’s Role Becomes Even Bigger
Entering his third NFL season, quarterback Bryce Young must now take on more leadership and production. With the backfield uncertain, more of the offensive burden will fall on Young’s shoulders.
He’ll need to make quicker reads, utilize his receivers effectively, and perhaps even add more rushing yards of his own to keep defenses honest.
Young’s development has been closely watched, and this added pressure may either accelerate his growth or expose weaknesses. Regardless, the team’s offensive success now depends more than ever on his ability to elevate those around him.
Long-Term Outlook for Brooks
For Jonathon Brooks, this second ACL injury puts his future in question. Recovering from one ACL tear is difficult; doing it twice in 13 months is a monumental challenge.
The Panthers will likely approach his rehab cautiously, perhaps even placing him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list well into 2026.
Still, he is only 21 years old and has shown resilience before. With modern medical advancements and support from the organization, Brooks could return to form.
However, the road ahead is steep, and the team must prepare as though he won’t be available for quite some time.
Team Morale and Fan Reactions
The news of Brooks’ injury has certainly dampened spirits in Charlotte. Fans who were excited about the potential of the young backfield now face a familiar sense of uncertainty.
After years of struggling to find a true feature back since the departure of Christian McCaffrey, the franchise must again pivot.
Team leaders will need to keep morale high, especially during training camp and the early weeks of the season.
Transparent communication from the coaching staff and front office can help manage expectations and maintain a united locker room.
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Jonathon Brooks’ Injury Explained
A Massive Blow to the Panthers’ Future Plans
Losing Jonathon Brooks, a highly touted second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is a bitter setback.
Carolina had high hopes for Brooks, who was expected to be a long-term solution at the position and possibly challenge for significant snaps as early as midseason.
Brooks showed elite vision and cutting ability at Texas, and analysts projected him as a future star. His injury doesn’t just affect the 2025 season; it could potentially delay his development and impact his standing within the team moving forward.
The Panthers will now need to monitor Brooks’ rehab closely while simultaneously planning for life without him in the short term. In the long run, his return could shake up the depth chart all over again.
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Offensive Scheme Under Dave Canales: A Balanced Approach
One of the biggest factors in evaluating Carolina’s RB depth chart is the offensive philosophy under Dave Canales.
Known for creative play-calling and a commitment to establishing the run, Canales designs schemes that elevate running backs’ performance.
His success in revitalizing the Tampa Bay offense previously has already begun to reflect in Carolina. With Canales at the helm, there’s a strong likelihood of a committee-style backfield, which bodes well for Hubbard and Dowdle sharing the load — and perhaps even Etienne seeing time in certain packages.
Expect motion-heavy sets, zone running schemes, and creative touches for all backs. Canales may look to lean heavily on the run to ease pressure on young quarterback Bryce Young and control the tempo of games.
Jonathon Brooks: Camp Battles to Watch
Dowdle vs. Etienne
While Hubbard is locked in as the starter, the more intriguing battle will be between Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne for the primary backup role.
Dowdle offers experience and production, but Etienne’s upside is hard to ignore. If Etienne can pick up blitz protections and hold onto the ball, he could quickly earn the trust of the coaching staff.
Conversely, if Dowdle shines in short-yardage situations, he may earn more goal-line work.
These camp competitions often determine how a team approaches situational football. Will Carolina go with the steady veteran or roll the dice with rookie potential? The next few months will provide answers.
Potential Midseason Moves or Signings?
Given the unpredictable nature of NFL injuries and performance fluctuations, the Panthers may explore free-agent options or midseason trades if depth becomes an issue.
Several veteran RBs remain unsigned heading into the season and could be available if needed.
Additionally, don’t rule out practice squad elevations or undrafted rookies getting a look. The Panthers’ front office has shown a willingness to experiment, especially under new leadership.
If any of the current backs falter or another injury strikes, expect Carolina to move quickly to secure reinforcements.
Final Depth Chart Prediction (Post-Brooks Injury)
Based on current information and projections, here’s a look at how the Panthers’ running back depth chart could shape up heading into Week 1:
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Chuba Hubbard (RB1) – Proven starter and workhorse.
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Rico Dowdle (RB2) – High-upside veteran, expected to get significant touches.
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Trevor Etienne (RB3) – Rookie with explosive potential, developmental piece.
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Raheem Blackshear (RB4) – Special teams ace and emergency depth.
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