The Panthers are opening the three-week practice window for rookie RB Jonathon Brooks. That gives the team 21 days to either return him to the active roster or shut him down for the season. We're betting on the former. Brooks' IR designation served to let him continue working back from the ACL tear that ended his college career. And we haven't heard about any setbacks in his process.
When he returns, Brooks will find a backfield led by Chuba Hubbard playing the best ball of his four-year career.
That has included averaging more than 5.0 yards per carry in each of the past five games. Hubbard has also caught 4+ passes in each of those five games.
Brooks should have little trouble passing Miles Sanders on the depth chart. But there's not much reason for Carolina to speed him ahead of a well-performing Hubbard.
Of course, Brooks would at least carry handcuff value in case of a Hubbard injury.
The second-round pick is worth stashing on fantasy rosters where possible. Just don't expect him to become a starting option soon.
Hubbard's performance so far this season makes this a good time to extend trade offers for Brooks in dynasty.
Sure, the rookie might not wind up helping you at all this year. But Hubbard's set to hit free agency in March. And the Panthers are clearly high on Brooks.
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