Taylor Bicht
2 min read • July 10, 2024
Posted in
Former University of Texas running back Jonathan Brooks presents a risky option for the upcoming NFL season due to his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL he suffered in his right knee last November. Despite expectations that he would slip in the draft due to his injury and lack of full health for the upcoming season, the Carolina Panthers surprisingly traded up for Brooks.
It is challenging for any rookie to be productive in their first season back from an ACL tear, and it is even more difficult when also making the leap to a higher level of competition.
Before his injury, the sophomore running back was ranked sixth in the NCAA in rushing yards. Brooks sustained his ACL tear on November 11 while being tackled by a TCU defender. At the time of his injury, Brooks had amassed 1,139 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, along with 25 catches for 286 yards and a receiving touchdown.
His impressive performance made him a standout player, but the injury has raised concerns about his ability to contribute significantly in his rookie NFL season.
Nearly eight months into his recovery, Brooks is reportedly healing as well as expected. While this is positive news, there are still concerns about his production in his first year with the Panthers.
At sicscore.com, we remain cautious about Brooks' potential impact during his rookie season. Given the difficulty of returning to peak performance after an ACL tear and adjusting to the increased competition in the NFL, it is prudent to temper expectations for Brooks' immediate contributions on the field.
Panthers running back Miles Sanders had a disappointing first season in Carolina, losing his starting job to Chuba Hubbard halfway through the year. Sanders dealt with numerous injuries in 2023, including groin, shoulder, and pectoral issues, which limited him to just five games as the starting RB, the lowest of his career.
His performance suffered significantly, with a career-low average of 3.3 yards per carry, contributing to his eventual demotion. Sanders has a history of multiple ankle and knee issues and has been a workhorse since his college days at the University of Pittsburgh, raising concerns about his mileage and durability.
The 2024 season presents an opportunity for Sanders to get back on track. The Panthers now have a full running back room, allowing Sanders to pace himself and avoid the heavy workload of rushing the ball 15+ times a game, a scenario that is likely in the past for him.
This balanced approach should help Sanders manage his physical condition better and potentially improve his performance over the course of the season.
With Brooks not being at his best medically to start the year, Sanders will see some added reps early on. Despite this, Sanders remains a risky choice in drafts with limited upside.
Given his injury history and recent poor performance, it is advisable to approach Sanders with caution and consider other options for a more reliable running back choice.
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Written by Taylor Bicht
