Panthers Rookie Injury Update Puts Rest of Season in Jeopardy

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a tough 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. After playing competitively in the previous three games against the Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Eagles, the Panthers got beat down on both sides of the ball.

Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young had four turnovers, while Carolina’s defense gave up 211 rushing yards. It was an abhorrent performance from a team that looked like it was turning a corner.

Additionally, the Panthers had one of their key offensive stars go down with an injury on Sunday, impacting them for the remainder of the season.

Panthers News: Xavier Legette to Miss Week 16 With Groin Injury

On Monday, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette is considered week-to-week with a groin injury and will likely be out against the Arizona Cardinals, per Joe Person of The Athletic.

This is less-than-ideal news for the Panthers as rookie wideout Jalen Coker just returned on Sunday after missing three weeks due to a quad injury. Legette picked up the injury in the third quarter against the Cowboys.

Before he exited the game, the former South Carolina star had two receptions (three targets) for seven yards. Legette has made a few splash plays this season and was starting to emerge as one of Young’s go-to options.

The 23-year-old receiver posted 41 receptions (70 targets) for 439 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. Due to his injury, Carolina might not want to rush the rookie receiver back on the field, especially with three games left in the season.

Without Legette, Adam Thielen, David Moore, rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, and Coker should see a slight uptick in targets. Since Young stepped back into the starting role in Week 8, Legette has averaged six targets per game.

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