Carolina Panthers ready to unleash running back on Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have gotten plenty of flack for their defense over the offseason. In Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, they’ll have an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.

During the 2025 campaign, the Panthers finished 27th in total offense, averaging 295.6 YPG. However, quarterback Bryce Young has shown growth under center. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year while Dave Canales is an offensive-minded head coach.

The Bears cannot take the Panthers lightly, especially with the state of their current defense. Things will now be a bit more difficult for Chicago after Carolina’s latest injury update.

Jonathon Brooks a full go against Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears opponent Jonathon Brooks — Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (25) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter during a preseason game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Running back Jonathon Brooks has been left off the injury report and is a full go for Week 1, via Mike Kaye of ESPN. Canales can’t wait to have both he and Chuba Hubbard lead Carolina’s running back room.

“Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has “no limitations” entering the team’s Week 1 home matchup against the Chicago Bears, according to coach Dave Canales,” Kaye wrote. “Canales said he is looking forward to partnering the third-year running back with team captain and veteran ball carrier Chuba Hubbard this season. Canales said the team has been planning for a “really long time” to have the duo lead the backfield.”

The Bears won’t have much film on Brooks, as he hasn’t played since 2024 after suffering the second torn ACL of his career. Still, the Panthers used a second-round pick on him in 2024. Carolina has been hyping him up as a key contributor. At the very least, the Bears can’t let Brooks go unnoticed as he makes his return to the gridiron.

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and company will have plenty of questions to answer, starting in Week 1. One of the most pertinent is how he plans to improve a run defense that ranked 27th in 2025, allowing 134.5 yards per game

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