Carolina Panthers rookie Jonathon Brooks could only watch his new teammates run through drills last week at Bank of America Stadium.
Recuperating from an ACL tear he suffered in November, Brooks is expected to add a playmaking presence to the crowded running back room when he eventually returns.
In the meantime, Brooks treated rookie minicamp and the start of OTAs as extended study sessions.
“For me, just to learn from them,” Brooks said.
“To take all the little stuff that people need to know about the game.
And for me, there’s always stuff to prove.
“But for me, I just need to get healthy, learn the playbook and do what I need to do—just get healthy and get right for the season.”
When Brooks returns to the field, he likely will compete for carries against returning starter Chuba Hubbard, veterans Miles Sanders and Rashaad Penny and undrafted free agent Jaden Shirden.
While most NFL teams are shedding running backs, the Panthers appear to have assembled an intriguing stable of talent.
Hubbard, 25, emerged as RB1 last season, compiling 1,135 scrimmage yards, but is entering the final season of his rookie deal and could enter free agency next year.
Sanders is coming off a dismal season. Signed last offseason to a four-year, $25.4 million contract, the Panthers envisioned him as a workhorse behind quarterback Bryce Young. Sanders never got going, rushing for over 70 yards in just two games.
In 11 outings, he rushed for 32 yards or fewer.
A 2018 first-round draft pick, Penny is the latest cast member to arrive on the scene.
Attempting to resurrect his career, Penny could offer elements of toughness in short yardage situations but has appeared in just 15 games over the past two seasons.
