Panthers veteran RB hopes to be ‘another weapon’ for offense with Brooks, Blackshear out
When Mike Boone learned that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks re-injured his right ACL in Sunday’s 22-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, he felt two pretty strong emotions.
On one hand, he was devastated for his friend and teammate. And on the other, he was intrigued by the opportunity to finally re-enter the lineup down the home stretch of the season.
“It was sad,” Boone said Monday. “That’s my boy, that’s my brother. I saw him work all offseason, and even during the (regular) season, just to get back to be able to go out and suit up, and to see him go down, it was a little sad. But wishing him the best and another speedy recovery.
“And, you know, if I get the opportunity — it (would be) exciting to get out and be able to help the guys. So, looking forward to it.”
Boone, who is actually the most experienced player in the Panthers’ running back room, has spent most of his season on the practice squad.
While he has been with the team throughout the year, he has only appeared in two games during the campaign, with most of his carries coming during the week of work on the practice field.
He collected 76 rushing yards, 23 receiving yards and a touchdown in three preseason games in August. But he has only 7 rushing yards on four carries in his limited regular-season action.
With Brooks and fellow backup Raheem Blackshear (chest) sidelined with injuries from Week 14, Boone could have an opportunity to build up his stat sheet in the final month of the campaign.
Boone said he’s stayed ready on the practice squad.
“It’s just helped me hone in on the small details,” Boone said. “Just getting more reps at what we do every day, and it’s been good. I’ve been elevating my game behind the scenes, too.”
Chuba Hubbard, the team’s top back, has had a breakout season. The Oklahoma State alum signed a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension in November and has rushed for a career-high 1,011 yards and eight rushing touchdowns through 13 games.
Boone, who went undrafted in 2018, has enjoyed watching Hubbard’s success from the sideline.
“To see all of his hard work pay off — it’s motivating to me,” Boone said. “So, shout out to (Chuba) — keep the ball rolling.”
While fans and media members haven’t seen much of Boone this fall, his teammates and head coach Dave Canales have been pleased with what he’s shown behind the scenes.
Boone, a former Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans contributor, has tried to stay fresh and alert while working with the scout team with offensive reps sprinkled into workouts.
“He’s a good player,” right guard Robert Hunt said. “I think he’s come to practice, and he hits practice like he’s coming into a game. I’ve only seen one speed from him, since I’ve been here. So, I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Boone has collected 546 rushing yards, 186 receiving yards and four total touchdowns during his seven seasons in the NFL. The Glen St. Mary, Florida, native knows how to play in this league, and he should provide a solid change-of pace option behind Hubbard if needed.
The Panthers are also looking at the free agent market for potential reserves, but Boone is likely to hear his name get called this week against the Dallas Cowboys.
“We’ll ask Mike to help us out that way,” Canales said. “And then, we’ll have to see where we’re at with Raheem.”
Boone, who played college football at Cincinnati, wants to finish strong this season. If he can do that, he will probably get another opportunity to continue his work in the NFL.
At 29, Boone just wants to contribute while he still can. In turn, the injuries to Brooks and Blackshear provide an opportunity to do just that, even if that’s not the way Boone wanted to get back onto the field.
Said Boone: “I want to be another tool, another weapon for our offense.”
