Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told the media Monday that the team will not open up the 21-day practice window for rookie running back Jonathan Brooks this week according to David Newton of ESPN.

Canales said the rookie back is in “the final stages” of returning from his ACL reconstruction. Brooks’ return to practice will also not necessarily mean that he is ready to play. It looks like the timeline for Brooks returning to play will be Week 6-Week 8.

The Panthers don't need to rush Brooks back as veteran Chuba Hubbard has exploded ever since the team made to switch to Andy Dalton.  Canales will have the luxury of easing Brooks into action.