Xavier Legette Returns To Panthers Roster Before Saints Clash

Legette Back in the Roster

The Carolina Panthers have brought wide receiver Xavier Legette back to the active roster from injured reserve. He returns ahead of Sunday's Week 10 road game against the New Orleans Saints.

Legette has been out since injuring his knee during a Week 2 win over the Atlanta Falcons. In that victory, he caught two passes for 64 yards. His 55 yard catch set up a score in the second quarter. Despite his activation, he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.

Fight for Playing Time

The 2024 first round pick enters a busy receiver room. Carolina released David Moore on Tuesday, but Legette still faces competition. The team has used John Metchie III and Brycen Tremayne opposite Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker to fill the gap.

Metchie has built good chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young, catching 14 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown this season. Tremayne has added seven catches for 126 yards. Over his first three NFL seasons, Legette has recorded 86 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. He has missed eight games due to injury over the last two seasons.

Defensive Lineup Changes

While Legette returned, other Panthers players remain out. Cornerback Mike Jackson, offensive lineman Brady Christensen, and running back Jonathon Brooks will stay on injured reserve and are listed as out for Sunday.

Jackson and Brooks had their 21 day practice windows opened on Wednesday, while Christensen started his window the week before. With Jackson out and rookie Will Lee questionable with a hamstring issue, Carolina promoted cornerbacks Marco Wilson and Corey Thornton from the practice squad.

Wilson has reached his limit with his third call up in three weeks, while Thornton was brought up for back to back games. Both started in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, where they were charged with five total defensive pass interference penalties, four of which were accepted.

Linebacker Absence

Carolina will also play without linebacker Bobby Okereke. He was ruled out on Friday due to a foot injury and will sit out his second straight game.

Tyrel Dodson is expected to replace him in the starting lineup. Dodson started last week as well and will line up opposite Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd on Sunday.