Panthers head coach Dave Canales has come out and stated that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will not play at all during the preseason. Canales said that the ideal timeframe for Brooks to begin his rookie campaign will be around week 3 or 4 of the NFL season. 

While the expectation has been that Brooks will have extra time to onboard before being 100% healthy, this latest news gives a more definitive timeline for his return. While clarity is still needed and no exact time for return has been set, this reinforces the need to be drafting Chuba Hubbard as much as possible. Hubbard is currently going in the 14th round on UnderDog.

The manner in which fantasy gamers attack the Panthers running back room will have changes for every Jonathon Brooks health update. The evergreen play up to this point is to select both Brooks and Hubbard in drafts whether together or on separate teams.  Chuba Hubbard will provide early season advance rate points whereas Jonathon Brooks will be a lethal weapon for a mid to late season surge in larger best ball tournaments. 

Take advantage of a Jonathon Brooks drop in ADP from round 8 while clicking Chuba Hubbard at his rising ADP. Although it may seem unpalatable, incorporate a small percentage of clicks for Miles Sanders in round 18 of UnderDog drafts.