Chris Brazzell II Sidelined 8 Weeks After LCL Tear in Panthers Practice

Carolina Panthers rookie Chris Brazzell II suffered a moderate LCL tear during a 7-on-7 drill and is expected to miss up to eight weeks.

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is expected to miss up to eight weeks after suffering a moderate lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear in his left knee during practice on Wednesday. The third-round pick out of Tennessee sustained the injury during a noncontact 7-on-7 drill and was unable to put weight on his left foot before being transported from the field via a cart. This diagnosis, confirmed by a league source to ESPN following an initial report by The Athletic, comes after the receiver had already missed two practices earlier in the week due to soreness in the same knee.

Brazzell, who recorded a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in February, will seek a second opinion regarding the injury. During his final season with the Volunteers, he tallied 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. Head coach Dave Canales noted that the player felt a "weird" sensation before sitting down, leading the team to conduct a full evaluation and imaging. The rookie was actively competing for the WR3 role in a room that includes last year's NFL Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, alongside Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.

Mounting Roster Losses for Carolina

The Chris Brazzell II injury adds to a growing list of medical setbacks for the defending NFC South champions since training camp commenced last week. The team recently lost second-year pass rusher Nic Scourton for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. Additionally, backup tight end Mitchell Evans was carted off the field on Tuesday, though his condition is less severe. Coach Canales confirmed that exams on Evans revealed a low ankle sprain, with a potential return projected for later this week.

Offensive Line Depth Concerns

Carolina's offensive front faces significant absences heading into the regular season. Starting offensive tackles Taylor Moton and Ickey Ekwonu are both ruled out for the start of the schedule; Moton is dealing with a blood clot in his lung, while Ekwonu is recovering from a knee injury. The interior of the line has also been impacted, as starting guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt have missed practice time due to calf and back injuries, respectively.

Impact on the Passing Attack

Brazzell was drafted to serve as a deep threat capable of stretching opposing defenses. His absence leaves a void in a developing receiving corps that the front office intended to build around young talent. The team’s medical staff continues to monitor the recovery timelines for the multiple starters currently sidelined. The Panthers will rely on their remaining depth as they navigate the remainder of the preseason without their third-round selection and several key veteran blockers. Further information regarding Brazzell's status is expected following his consultation for a second medical opinion.