breaking: IT’S OVER…..

When the Carolina Panthers traded up to select Xavier Legette with the 32nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, their aim was for him to become an immediate offensive contributor and develop a strong connection with Bryce Young to boost the quarterback’s performance this season.

However, head coach Dave Canales (via Sheena Quick) has reported that Legette is currently sidelined from practice due to injuries, delaying this chemistry-building process. Though Canales described the injury as precautionary, hamstring issues can linger, making Legette’s pre-training camp injury worrisome, despite its minor nature.

With Adam Thielen returning and the trade acquisition of Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Panthers have positioned Legette as their primary physical wideout. At 6’1″ and 221 pounds, the Carolina offense plans to get the ball to the 23-year-old in open space, allowing him to challenge defensive backs with his size and strength.

Legette had a standout final season at South Carolina, after accumulating just 423 yards over his first four years. In his fifth year, he emerged as the main receiving threat with 71 catches, 1,255 yards, and seven touchdowns. Notably, Legette had the second-most receiving yards in the SEC in 2023, behind only LSU’s Malik Nabers who had 1,569 yards.

New head coach Dave Canales was impressed with Legette’s tape and is eager to integrate him into the offense early. Canales attributed Legette’s injury to tightness, stating that withholding him from practice was merely a precaution:

“What happens a lot with rookies is they come out here, it’s a different level of work and it’s not that they haven’t practiced this long but everyone’s fast, everyone’s going, you know, and of course they’re, with their wheels turning, there’s a strain on the brain, there’s also a strain on the body.”

During his recovery, Legette took advantage of the opportunity to converse with Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr., who attended the team’s OTA session on Wednesday, gaining valuable insights from the veteran.