Phew!
Sunday gave the Carolina Panthers quite a scare, as rookie wideout Xavier Legette made an early exit from practice due to what was initially labeled as a "lower leg" injury. Later that day, multiple reports indicated that the 23-year-old receiver escaped any major setbacks—as X-ray and MRI results on his foot came back clean.
Head coach Dave Canales confirmed the positive development after Monday's practice, but did express some doubt about Legette's availability for this summer's preseason opener.
"The MRI revealed no fractures in the foot, which is fantastic news for us really to just find that out. And so, we're just day-to-day with him," Canales told reporters. "I would not expect him to play in this preseason game just on the side of the caution. It wasn't any play in particular, it was just heatin' up on him."
Legette already missed a bit of time earlier this offseason, as he was sidelined during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp due to a hamstring strain.
Along with some injury woes for their 2024 first-rounder, Carolina has also had to limit their 2024 second-rounder Jonathon Brooks—who is still recovering from a torn ACL from November. The 21-year-old running back, as announced on Saturday, will not suit up for preseason action this summer.
So Canales was asked about having to deal with the less-than-ideal situations with his top selections.
"While I would love for them to be out there having those reps, it's so valuable for all the guys to be able to get those reps so we can really gather information," he replied. "Even as we go into the preseason games, I would love for X to be out there at some point just to play NFL football. But we have a good group of receivers who are fighting for these spots on our roster. So I just love that room just getting those opportunities."
Those opportunities could come on Thursday night, when the Panthers visit the New England Patriots for their first exhibition of 2024.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers WR Xavier Legette 'day-to-day,' not expected to play in preseason opener
