The Panthers haven’t been much good for fantasy owners this season, especially with Bryce Young ($4,400) at quarterback, which he will continue to be in Week 9 vs. the Saints, even though Andy Dalton ($4,400) is back at practice. Also getting in a full session on Wednesday was rookie running back Jonathon Brooks ($5,000), who looks close to making his NFL debut. If you’ve held on to Brooks in season-long fantasy or can grab him off the waiver wire, what can we expect from the rookie?
The Background on Brooks
The Panthers grabbed Brooks in the second-round of last year’s draft out of Texas, even though he was not expected to be ready until mid-season after suffering an ACL tear last November. He has been on the NFI/reserve list, but looks to be nearing his debut after moving from limited practices last week to full practices this week.
In college, Brooks impressed with his receiving ability out of the backfield, and he profiles as a true three-down workhorse once he’s ready to roll at full speed. He showed big-play ability and tons of upside in college and is expected to push for a role in the offense right away.
The Panthers have relied heavily on Chuba Hubbard ($6,500) in the backfield, with Miles Sanders ($4,500) as a change of pace back. If Brooks jumps into the mix this week, both veterans will take a hit to their value since he will likely take a significant role in the backfield.
The Bottom Line on Brooks
The Panthers will definitely want to get a look at their rookie running back, and he could be a strong option the rest of the season even in the struggling offense. The Panthers are short on play-makers, especially after moving Diontae Johnson ($6,300), so Brooks could step right into a meaningful role the rest of the season.
Even with that being the case, starting him this week is extremely high-risk since he’ll likely be eased into action. Hubbard has been very serviceable, averaging 15.4 fantasy points per game this year, and he’ll likely continue to play the majority of snaps at least in the short term.
Unless you’re desperate at the position, it makes sense to hold Brooks and stash him on your bench to see how much work he takes on right away. If he’s on your league’s waiver wire, he’s a great stash for the coming weeks, as he and the other Panthers’ audition for roles in the team’s ongoing rebuild.
The Panthers are 7.5-point home underdogs this week against the Saints. Brooks isn’t on the board yet for an anytime touchdown, but Hubbard has the second-shortest odds at +120 to find the end zone. Those odds would probably get longer if Brooks is activated in time for Sunday’s contest.
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