Full story
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has been sidelined for the first two practices following the NFL cut-down deadline. But coach Dave Canales doesn't seem too concerned about the third-year running back's status for the Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13.
"I'm very optimistic he'll be available for Week 1," Canales said Wednesday.
Brooks has been dealing with "soreness," Canales said Tuesday, but the coach wouldn't specify the location of his current discomfort. Brooks, who is coming off back-to-back ACL surgeries in his right knee, participated in the entire training camp and two preseason games this summer with little issue.