The 2024 NFL season didn't go as the Carolina Panthers had hoped, but that doesn't mean the campaign was a complete bust.
After all, several Panthers had standout performances last season, including 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette. The former South Carolina Gamecock quickly became one of the top wideouts in quarterback Bryce Young's arsenal, leaving Carolina fans excited to see what leaps Legette will make in Year 2.
Unfortunately, Legette battled with a wrist injury throughout his rookie season and revealed in December that he'd need offseason surgery to correct the issue. Needless to say, Panthers fans have been waiting for an update as February nears its end.
Panthers Injury News: Xavier Legette Underwent Foot Surgery
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan is over in Indianapolis this week for the NFL scouting combine. During Tuesday's media availability, Morgan revealed that Legette didn't end up needing any sort of wrist surgery.
"Our doctors and (Legette's) side evaluated that (wrist) surgery wasn't needed," Morgan said, according to Panthers reporter Sheena Quick. "I think he needs the offseason to just heal up a little bit from the wrist perspective."
Although it's a massive relief to learn that Legette didn't need wrist surgery, the positive vibes didn't last long. Morgan soon announced that the promising playmaker underwent a foot procedure, which caught the fanbase off guard.
"(Legette) was having some discomfort in his foot pretty much all season. We decided to do a little procedure on that," Morgan revealed. "In terms of recovery, I think it's more short-term so he'll be running sooner than later and he'll be ready to go."
No wrist surgery for Xavier Legette per Dan Morgan. Adds that Legette had surgery on his ankle/foot which had bothered him during the season. Short term recovery expected. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/li1yS3UVVC
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) February 25, 2025
On one hand, it's encouraging to know that — while the foot surgery was a surprise — Legette should be back on his feet soon, no pun intended. On the other hand, one has to wonder just how much more impressive his rookie season could've been if he was completely healthy.
Legette was targeted 84 times across his 16 appearances, hauling in 49 balls (58.3%) for 497 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He finished his first NFL campaign as Pro Football Focus' No. 104-graded receiver out of 125, meaning there's plenty of room for improvement as he returns to the gridiron with a healthier foot this fall.
If Carolina's offense is going to take the next step in 2025, all of Young's weapons must be at 100%. Panthers fans will have a better idea of how Legette's foot is healing up when voluntary offseason workouts begin the week of April 21.