Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette is unlikely to participate in the team's preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills after suffering a stinger early in training camp. Head coach Dave Canales stated that while Legette has returned to practice and performed well, he has not yet reached the necessary conditioning level for game action.
Legette, a first-round draft pick in 2024, recently participated in practice, concluding Wednesday's session with a touchdown catch from quarterback Bryce Young. Canales expressed optimism about Legette's return, noting, "It was good to see him back out there, playing like himself and playing fast." However, he added, "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 acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding his performance, particularly after losing his starting position late last season to undrafted free agent Jalen Coker. "I’m just focusing on the details," Legette said, referring to an injury sustained on August 4th after an awkward landing. "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."
In his NFL career, Legette has recorded 84 receptions for 860 yards and seven touchdowns across 31 games. His 2025 season saw 65 targets, a decrease from his rookie year's 84 targets. Despite a dip in production last season with 35 catches, down from 49 in his rookie year, Legette maintained his confidence. "I ain’t never lost my confidence. I’m just trying to continue to make plays. I’m happy to be here," he stated.
To enhance his receiving skills and chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young, Legette participated in offseason workouts with Young and other Panthers receivers in Los Angeles and Arizona. "I’m just working on the details and trying to get those things right," Legette reiterated.