Overview
- Rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell was carted off during 7-on-7 drills and was diagnosed with a moderate tear of the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee that is expected to sideline him for up to eight weeks.
- Brazzell left practice on Wednesday and will get a second medical opinion after an initial MRI to clarify the exact recovery plan and any roster moves.
- This injury follows other early camp setbacks for the Panthers, including a season-ending ACL for edge rusher Nic Scourton last week and a low ankle sprain for tight end Mitchell Evans.
- Brazzell had been a third-round pick expected to challenge for the No. 3 receiver role, so his absence opens immediate playing opportunities for Xavier Legette and other depth players and delays the rookie’s development.
- Carolina must now weigh short-term roster options and return-to-play pathways that include carrying Brazzell on the 53-man roster or using injured reserve while the staff monitors imaging and recovery progress.