Panthers Move Xavier Legette to Injured Reserve; Monroe Freeling Clears Protocol

Xavier Legette will miss at least four games due to a knee injury sustained during Carolina's Week 2 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

The Carolina Panthers placed 2024 first-round draft pick Xavier Legette on injured reserve Saturday, ruling the wide receiver out for at least the next four games. According to Mike Kaye of ESPN, the rookie sustained a knee injury during the team's Week 2 win against the Atlanta Falcons. Legette had already been ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Lions before the roster move was finalized.

Carolina’s receiving corps faces further uncertainty as leading wideout Jalen Coker is listed as questionable with a quadriceps injury. To bolster the depth chart, the team elevated Ja'seem Reed from the practice squad. Reed, a 2025 undrafted free agent who recorded 84 yards and two touchdowns during the preseason, is set to make his NFL regular-season debut. The active roster also includes John Metchie III, Tetairoa McMillan, Brycen Tremayne, and David Moore.

On the offensive line, right tackle Monroe Freeling cleared concussion protocol on Saturday and is expected to start against Detroit. However, starting left guard Damien Lewis remains out with an elbow injury. The Panthers also elevated cornerback Robert Rochell from the practice squad to assist a secondary missing Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Will Lee III and Akayleb Evans are slated to start at cornerback in their absence.

Legette joins a significant list of Panthers on injured reserve or inactive lists heading into a Week 5 bye. Notable absences include outside linebacker Nic Scourton, running back Jonathon Brooks, and guard Brady Christensen. Starting tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton remain sidelined on the PUP and NFI lists, respectively.