Panthers Provide Update on Xavier Legette's Injury, WR Battle

The Carolina Panthers are dealing with a couple of concerning injuries to wide receivers during training camp, and head Coach Dave Canales provided an update on Thursday night about the status of Xavier Legette. 

Legette sustained a "stinger" injury during Tuesday's practice but avoided a concussion. The injury came amid news that  Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was ruled out for the season due to an LCL injury to his left knee that will require surgery.

Following Carolina's 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio, Canales had good news on Legette, saying the receiver was expected to return to practice on Sunday.

"Xavier went through the whole workout, no issues," Canales said. "He feels fine. I talked to him. He said he feels great. He’s back. So looking forward to getting back to practice on Sunday and getting those guys rolling."

With Brazzell out for the season, another receiver position has opened up for the 53-man roster.

Canales noted that Thursday's game was critical for the Panthers receivers on the bubble to have a good performance and show that they can contribute on special teams in addition to offense.

"It's critical because you play the game with three wideouts for the most part, and guys rotate in and out a little bit here and there," Canales said. "So if a guy's coming out of a game with 10 or 12 plays, he's got to be able to contribute on special teams. Ja'seem (Reed) was all over all the phases, returns, covering kicks, different things like that. 

"John Metchie III got a nice return--showed something really cool there too. So Jimmy (Horn Jr.) had a couple nice ones. So all these guys, they understand. Like whatever, the more that I can do to help the team, the better my chances are to be able to be here on the 53 and make the team. So I love the competitions happening in the receiver room."

Horn led the Panthers in receiving with four receptions for 44 yards. Metchie added three receptions for 38 yards. Reed caught two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown.

Metchie showed promise as a returner with a 36-yard return. Reed had one return of 26 yards and Horn had one return for 25 yards.