Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks has been ruled out for the team’s Week 7 tilt with the Commanders. The Panthers opened the practice window for the second round pick on Wednesday, but are not ready to elevate him to active status. The former Texas Longhorn tore his ACL in November of last season, and the Panthers are being cautious getting him into game action.

The Panthers have a 1-5 record heading into their matchup with Washington and Chuba Hubbard has been more than serviceable as the team’s RB1 this season. Hubbard is RB12 in Opportunity Share (69.2-percent) and RB4 with 89.3 Weighted Opportunities through six weeks, playing ahead of Miles Sanders. When Brooks makes his debut, it is likely he will still have a ramp up period, sharing the backfield with two veterans. The organization will also want to preserve Brooks – their running back of the future – especially in what is shaping up to be a lost season.

– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb