Posted on Aug 27

Rookie Jonathon Brooks and linebacker D.J. Wonnum to miss start of Panthers' season, "patience is going to help me further my career."

u/alex • 5m

Panthers rookies Jonathon Brooks and D.J. Wonnum will start the season on the PUP list, impacting the team's depth at running back and outside linebacker.

Why it matters: The absence of Brooks and Wonnum for at least the first four games puts the Panthers in a challenging position as they navigate their early-season matchups.

What's new: Both players are recovering from significant injuries and are not yet ready to contribute on the field, which will require adjustments to the team's game plan and roster composition.

Jonathon Brooks, the Panthers' draft pick, has been sidelined since undergoing ACL surgery in November.
D.J. Wonnum, who signed a lucrative deal with the Panthers, is rehabbing from quad surgery he had in December.

Yes, but: While their absence is undoubtedly a setback, the Panthers have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact.

The team traded draft picks to select Brooks at No. 46, indicating their belief in his potential impact once he returns.
In the meantime, Chuba Hubbard, backed up by Miles Sanders, will handle the starting running back duties for the Panthers.
The trio of D.J. Johnson, Eku Leota, and K'Lavon Chaisson will step in as outside linebackers opposite Jadeveon Clowney.

What to watch: The performance of Hubbard and the temporary replacements at outside linebacker will be closely monitored during the initial four-game stretch.

Hubbard, in the final year of his contract, has an opportunity to prove himself as a reliable starter.
The makeshift outside linebacker rotation will need to provide production and maintain defensive cohesion.

What's next: The Panthers' coaching staff, led by coach Dave Canales, emphasizes patience in Brooks' recovery process.

Canales expects Brooks to be ready to contribute by Week 3 or 4 at the earliest, indicating a gradual approach to his return.
The team will continue to communicate with Brooks and Wonnum's representatives, ensuring a smooth transition back to full participation once they are cleared.

The bottom line: The Panthers face an early-season challenge as they manage the absence of two key rookies.

The depth at running back and outside linebacker will be tested, requiring other players to step up and contribute.
It remains to be seen how quickly Brooks and Wonnum can return to their respective roles, but the Panthers are committed to their long-term development and recovery.

#panthers #chuba-hubbard #nfl

Rookie Jonathon Brooks and linebacker D.J. Wonnum to miss start of Panthers' season, "patience is going to help me further my career."

Panthers rookies Jonathon Brooks and D.J. Wonnum will start the season on the PUP list, impacting the team's depth at running back and outside linebacker.

Why it matters: The absence of Brooks and Wonnum for at least the first four games puts the Panthers in a challenging position as they navigate their early-season matchups.

What's new: Both players are recovering from significant injuries and are not yet ready to contribute on the field, which will require adjustments to the team's game plan and roster composition.

Jonathon Brooks, the Panthers' draft pick, has been sidelined since undergoing ACL surgery in November.

D.J. Wonnum, who signed a lucrative deal with the Panthers, is rehabbing from quad surgery he had in December.

Yes, but: While their absence is undoubtedly a setback, the Panthers have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact.

The team traded draft picks to select Brooks at No. 46, indicating their belief in his potential impact once he returns.

In the meantime, Chuba Hubbard, backed up by Miles Sanders, will handle the starting running back duties for the Panthers.

The trio of D.J. Johnson, Eku Leota, and K'Lavon Chaisson will step in as outside linebackers opposite Jadeveon Clowney.

What to watch: The performance of Hubbard and the temporary replacements at outside linebacker will be closely monitored during the initial four-game stretch.

Hubbard, in the final year of his contract, has an opportunity to prove himself as a reliable starter.

The makeshift outside linebacker rotation will need to provide production and maintain defensive cohesion.

What's next: The Panthers' coaching staff, led by coach Dave Canales, emphasizes patience in Brooks' recovery process.

Canales expects Brooks to be ready to contribute by Week 3 or 4 at the earliest, indicating a gradual approach to his return.

The team will continue to communicate with Brooks and Wonnum's representatives, ensuring a smooth transition back to full participation once they are cleared.

The bottom line: The Panthers face an early-season challenge as they manage the absence of two key rookies.

The depth at running back and outside linebacker will be tested, requiring other players to step up and contribute.

It remains to be seen how quickly Brooks and Wonnum can return to their respective roles, but the Panthers are committed to their long-term development and recovery.