Chris Brazzell, the Panthers’ third-round pick from Tennessee, will miss his rookie season after injuring his knee Wednesday during 7-on-7 drills. Jim Dedmon / Imagn Images
July 30, 2026 Updated 1:25 pm EDT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
The Panthers initially planned to follow a non-surgical path on Brazzell’s moderate LCL tear, which would have sidelined him for up to two months. However, after receiving a second opinion, the team and Brazzell’s representatives decided surgery was the best option for his long-term health, the source said.
The Panthers have now lost two players to season-ending injuries since reporting to training camp last week. Outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL during the team’s first practice.
Brazzell, a third-round pick from Tennessee, was injured Wednesday during a 7-on-7 drill. Brazzell got tangled up with a defensive back and landed awkwardly on his left leg.
The 6-foot-4 wideout was expected to challenge Xavier Legette for the Panthers’ third receiver spot, behind Tetairoa McMillan, last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and former undrafted free agent Jalen Coker.
With Brazzell out, veteran David Moore and newcomer John Metchie, who played with quarterback Bryce Young at Alabama, will be in the mix with Legette for WR3.
Jul 30, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle
