Panthers Might Be Without WR Xavier Legette For Preseason Opener

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette may not be playing in Saturday’s preseason game at the Buffalo Bills after suffering a stinger early in training camp.

A former first-round draft pick, Legette closed the team’s practice session Wednesday with what head coach Dave Canales called a "walk off touchdown" catch from quarterback Bryce Young.

Canales had a positive outlook about Legette following his return to practice Wednesday.

"It was good to see him back out there, playing like himself and playing fast," Canales said. "I don’t think he’ll play (Saturday). We haven’t gotten him to that level of conditioning. He’s doing a phenomenal job and he’s a guy that we’re counting on."

Legette had just 65 targets in 2025, down from 84 in his rookie 2024. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

Legette said he spent the offseason working to improve his skills and that he recognized why some are questioning his future, especially after losing his starting job late last season to undrafted free agent Jalen Coker.

"I’m just focusing on the details," said Legette, who was injured in an Aug. 4 practice session after landing awkwardly on his head and neck. "Everything that was on tape last year that was bad, I looked at that and tried to do things better. I’m always trying to work on getting better."

The last pick of the first round of the 2024 draft, Legette has caught 84 passes for 860 yards and seven touchdowns in 31 games.

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