Panthers HC Dave Canales updates fans on Xavier Legette foot injury

The Carolina Panthers can’t seem to keep Xavier Legette fully healthy this summer, and head coach Dave Canales offered a cautious, open-ended update on the receiver’s latest setback. Legette was spotted in a walking boot, and Canales acknowledged there’s no firm timeline for his return.

“He got his ankle twisted up. He has some soreness in his foot, so we evaluated him,” Canales told reporters following their 34-17 preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Right now we’re going to just get him back going little by little, and hopefully we’ll see him at the end of this week, but I can’t tell you exactly when he’s going to be back. We’re just going to have to take it day by day and kind of go with whatever’s happening in his foot.”

Dave Canales talks holding some defensive starters and Xavier Legette’s injury. Asked him about him wearing a boot, he said Legette injured his ankle and is experiencing soreness in his foot. He’s day to day. Added they hope to get him back toward the end of the week. pic.twitter.com/HQP2nL3NLd

— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 22, 2026

The boot is only the latest chapter in a frustrating, injury-dotted stretch for Legette. Earlier in camp, he was carted off the practice field on after landing awkwardly on his head and neck, an injury the team evaluated as a stinger while quickly clearing him of a concussion. He recovered fast enough that Canales declared him “back” following the preseason opener, only for this new foot issue to surface.

Foot trouble is nothing new for the 25-year-old. Dating back to his rookie year in 2024, Legette battled a string of ailments, with his groin, wrist, and foot all causing problems at various points and costing him a few games. This latest boot sighting naturally raised concern about whether it involves the same foot.

The timing matters because opportunity is knocking. Carolina used the No. 32 overall pick on Legette in the 2024 draft, and through two seasons he has compiled 84 receptions for 860 yards and seven touchdowns across 31 games, flashing potential without nailing down consistency.

With rookie Chris Brazzell II lost for the season to a knee injury, Legette has a clear runway to seize a prominent role in the passing game. Every missed practice, however, chips away at his chance to build chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young.

For now, Carolina will monitor the soreness day by day, hoping their 2024 first-rounder can shake off yet another nagging injury before the games start to count.

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