Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks hasn’t had the start to his NFL career that many expected, but his head coach believes better days are ahead. Following Brooks’ first practice of training camp, Panthers head coach Dave Canales offered an encouraging assessment that should excite both Panthers fans and fantasy football managers.
According to Pro Football Talk on X, “He looks like the guy I remember,” Canales said when asked about the former second-round pick. It’s a simple statement, but comments like that carry weight, especially when they come from the head coach. Canales has watched Brooks throughout his recovery, making his endorsement an important sign that the young running back may finally be returning to form.
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The Talent Has Never Been in Question
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (24) during pregame warmups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
It’s easy to forget that Brooks entered the NFL with significant expectations. The Panthers selected him with the 48th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him one of the earliest running backs taken that year. Teams don’t invest top-50 picks in the position unless they believe the player has the potential to become a major contributor.
Brooks also just turned 23 years old on July 21, meaning he still has plenty of time to develop into the player Carolina envisioned when it drafted him.
His athleticism, vision, and versatility have always given him one of the higher ceilings among young NFL running backs.
Injuries Have Delayed His Development
The biggest obstacle for Brooks hasn’t been talent—it’s been staying healthy.
He appeared in only three games during his rookie season in 2024 before injuries cut his year short, and he went on to miss the entire 2025 season while recovering.
Those setbacks temporarily slowed his development, but they haven’t changed how the Panthers view his long-term potential. Canales’ latest comments suggest the organization believes Brooks is finally getting back to full strength.
Opportunity Could Be Waiting
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (24) tries to get off the field after being injured against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Panthers have already shown they can create production from multiple running backs.
Last season, Rico Dowdle delivered solid production while serving in Carolina’s RB2 role. If Dowdle could find success in that position, there’s every reason to believe Brooks has the ability to match—or exceed—that level of production if he earns meaningful touches.
His draft pedigree and skill set give him a much higher upside than many players competing for similar roles around the league.
A Player Worth Watching
Training camp praise doesn’t guarantee regular-season success, but it often provides valuable insight into how a coaching staff views a player.
In Brooks’ case, Dave Canales’ comments are particularly noteworthy because they’ve come after nearly two years of injury setbacks.
The Panthers clearly haven’t given up on the talented young running back, and neither should fans.
If Brooks can finally put his health concerns behind him, the former early-round draft pick could be one of Carolina’s biggest breakout candidates in 2026. Based on his coach’s confidence, it appears the organization believes the version of Jonathon Brooks they drafted is finally starting to re-emerge.
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