Scrutinized Panthers Move Looks Genius After Huge Week 14 Injury

The NFL world was shocked to see the Carolina Panthers sign running back Chuba Hubbard to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension early last month, especially given Carolina drafted rookie running back Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Even though Brooks was coming off a torn ACL last year in college, the idea was for him to be Carolina’s future lead option in the backfield. However, the Panthers thought otherwise and rewarded Hubbard’s great play with a new deal.

Fast forward to Week 14 and it appears the Panthers made the correct decision to give Hubbard a lucrative multi-year extension. 

In the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Panthers fans saw Brooks leave the game on a non-contact play. The former Texas standout tried to make a cut and went down immediately.

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Brooks was reportedly carted to the locker room. The Panthers listed Brooks as doubtful to return on Sunday. But the more concerning news is that the rookie running back injured the same knee that he had the torn ACL, which is never good.

Brooks made his NFL debut in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Panthers were excited to get Brooks back on the field after being a year removed from his injury. Now, they’re holding their breath about Brooks’ knee.

While the Panthers are disappointed to see Brooks leave on a cart, they still have Hubbard, who has proven to be a workhorse this season. Heading into Week 14, the 25-year-old running back had 919 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 189 carries.

When you look at what Hubbard did last season and now in 2024, the Panthers re-signing the veteran running back looks like a genius move after Brooks went down with another knee injury.

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