Panthers' Brooks expected to make season debut vs. Chiefs

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to make his season debut Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Dave Canales announced Monday.

Brooks was selected in the second round out of Texas in the 2024 draft. He has been recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in November 2023. Brooks started the season on injured reserve and returned to practice in mid-October.

The 21-year-old rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry in 11 games for the Longhorns last season. He also added 286 yards and one touchdown receiving.

Chuba Hubbard, 25, has emerged as a consistent threat in the backfield for the Panthers this season. He's fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (818) while scoring seven touchdowns. Carolina rewarded the fourth-year pro with a four-year, $33.2-million extension in early November.

Canales also announced that quarterback Bryce Young will make his fourth consecutive start Sunday.