Panthers Rookie Makes Surprise Injury Announcement After Costly Drop in Week 14

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette has given fans a lot to cheer about this season as he has the making of being a star NFL receiver. The former South Carolina standout has recorded 39 receptions (67 targets) for 432 yards and four touchdowns.

However, the young receiver has had a couple of critical drops over the last few weeks, which could’ve changed the outcome of two games for Carolina. 

The latest drop happened in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles last week. With 52 seconds left in the game, Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young dropped back to pass and found Legette down the field, who had gotten behind the Eagles’ secondary.

Legette dove for the pass and at first glance it looked like he caught the ball, which would’ve put the Panthers inside the five-yard line. However, the rookie wideout couldn’t hold onto the ball.

That was a key play for the Panthers as they would lose, thanks to an outstanding pass breakup by Eagles veteran cornerback Darius Slay on fourth down.

When Legette had a key drop in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he promised Young that it would not happen again. But the rookie wide receiver has just been unlucky. On Thursday, Legette spoke with reporters and provided a surprising injury update.

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the 23-year-old receiver said he’ll be undergoing left wrist surgery to repair ligaments after the season. However, Legette made no excuse for his recent play, saying that’s not why he dropped the fourth-quarter pass against the Eagles.

Panthers fans are likely happy to hear Legette is getting his wrist fixed after playing on it for an entire season. Even though Legette said it didn’t play a part in his latest drop, it’s probably affecting him.

The rookie receiver hasn’t missed any games this season, which is a credit to him. However, Adam Thielen and fellow rookie Jalen Coker haven’t been so lucky. Both wideouts have missed some time because of various injuries.

Nevertheless, Carolina hopes Legette can put the drops behind him and have a huge game at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

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