Chicago Bears defense must take note of Panthers’ latest injury update

The offseason noise will soon fade away. Predictions and projections will turn to results. For the Chicago Bears, their 2026 mission is simple. Prove they can be a perennial NFC North and overall playoff contender.

To begin that quest, the Bears will take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. When they do, the Panthers may have a two-headed rushing attack of Jonathon Brooks and Chuba Hubbard. But that all comes down to the running back’s health.

On Monday, Brooks was running to the side with a trainer, via Mike Kaye of ESPN. While head coach Dave Canales didn’t give a further update on the running back, he remains optimistic about his Week 1 status.

“Canales declined to offer updates on Jonathon Brooks and Pat Jones,” Kaye wrote. “He said “he hopes so” when asked about his Thursday “very optimistic” outlook on Brooks. Canales acknowledged Brooks ran today, as we saw during the media portion of practice.”

Brooks is currently dealing with a bout of general soreness. But the running back is coming off of a torn ACL that cost him the entire 2025 season. It’s the same injury he suffered back in college. The Panthers have high hopes for Brooks in their offense. But first, they need him to be healthy.

On Wednesday, both the Chicago Bears and Panthers will release their first injury report. Then, both franchises will know exactly where Brooks stands.

Carolina Panthers could have another secret weapon

Chicago Bears opponent Darren Waller — Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) runs out for player introductions prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Panthers signed tight end Darren Waller back in August. He is still getting up to speed and learning the playbook. However, Canales has been impressed with the tight end in that regard, via Kaye.

“Darren Waller looks “big and fast” and the playbook stuff has been “smooth” heading into Week 1, per Panthers head coach Dave Canales,” Kaye wrote.

Waller spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins. While he only appeared in nine games, the tight end caught 24 passes for 283 yards and six touchdowns.

Waller may not be the first player the Bears are circling on their radar. But he if he is active, Chicago must be aware, especially in the red zone.

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