BROOKS DOWN / HUBBARD UP

Jonathon Brooks has now missed three consecutive Carolina practices while dealing with what the Panthers have described as general soreness.

Brooks did some running with trainers Monday, and Dave Canales continues to describe him as day-to-day while expressing hope that he'll be available Sunday.

But repeated missed practices have changed the fantasy calculation.

Even if Brooks is ultimately active, his preparation and potential opening-week workload have become legitimate concerns.

UPGRADE CHUBA HUBBARD

Brooks should be treated as a risky Week 1 FLEX or bench option until he returns to normal team work.

Hubbard's workload confidence rises in the meantime.

Another Brooks absence would strengthen the possibility that Carolina either plays without him or manages his workload if he's active.

Jonathon Brooks — RB, Carolina Panthers

BROOKS DOWN / HUBBARD UP

The word "soreness" isn't the important part anymore.

The missed work is.

Brooks has already had an unusually difficult start to his NFL career following consecutive ACL injuries. That doesn't mean this issue is another significant injury, and we shouldn't imply that it is.

But three consecutive missed practices heading into Week 1 cannot simply be ignored.

Until Brooks gets back into team work, Hubbard is the safer Carolina backfield bet.