Panthers’ Xavier Legette gets encouraging injury update from Dave Canales

Carolina Panthers fans can collectively breathe a sigh of relief. Following a scary scene at training camp earlier this week, wide receiver Xavier Legette received a massive and highly encouraging injury update from head coach Dave Canales.

During a Tuesday practice session, Legette hit the turf hard after going up for a high-point catch in the end zone. While he managed to secure the ball, the third-year wideout landed awkwardly on his back. Trainers ultimately carted him off the field while concerned teammates gathered around him. Initially, the medical staff quickly cleared him of a concussion but diagnosed thve issue as a neck stinger.

The uncertainty didn’t linger long. Following the team’s preseason opener in the Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, Canales provided a definitive update on his young pass-catcher.

“He feels great,” Canales told reporters regarding Legette’s status. “He’s back.”

While Legette understandably sat out the exhibition matchup against Arizona, his quick recovery represents a huge win for the Carolina offense.

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, Legette looks to finally break out and secure a consistent role in the passing game. Carolina selected the former South Carolina standout with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Since then, he has shown flashes but still strives for consistency. Through his first two regular seasons, Legette compiled 84 receptions for 860 yards and seven touchdowns across 31 games.

Now, a major opportunity sits right in front of him. With rookie receiver Chris Brazzell missing up to 8 weeks due to a knee injury, Legette possesses a clear path to assert himself and lock down the WR3 duties. If he truly left this neck stinger behind him, expect Legette back on the practice field next week, ready to build a much-needed rapport with the starting offense before Week 1 arrives.

The post Panthers’ Xavier Legette gets encouraging injury update from Dave Canales appeared first on ClutchPoints.