MUNICH — Jonathon Brooks’ NFL debut will have to wait at least two more weeks.
The Carolina Panthers’ rookie running back was activated from IR earlier this week, but Brooks won’t play today against the New York Giants at Allianz Arena. The second-round pick, who underwent ACL surgery last November near the end of his final season at Texas, is among the Panthers’ inactives.
The Panthers have been cautious in monitoring Brooks’ recovery. They’ve had that luxury because Chuba Hubbard, who just signed a four-year extension, is in the midst of a career season and veteran Miles Sanders can be used as a change-of-pace back. The Panthers have a bye next week before hosting the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 24.
It’s worth wondering whether the Allianz Areana grass surface might have played a role in the Panthers’ decision with Brooks. Two years ago, players and coaches from Seattle and Tampa Bay complained about the field conditions following the Buccaneers’ win. Panthers coach Dave Canales and several of his assistants were on Pete Carroll’s Seattle staff at the time.
The Panthers also will be missing left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who was ruled out Friday with an ankle injury, and tight end Tommy Tremble, who was questionable with a back issue.
The rest of their inactives: DE Charles Harris, CB Shemar Bartholomew, DT Jaden Crumedy and S Jammie Robinson, who returned to the United States this morning due to a family matter.
