The Carolina Panthers placed 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette on injured reserve with a knee injury ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Detroit Lions. Legette was ruled out with the ailment on Friday and will now miss at least three additional games. The team also elevated Ja'seem Reed from the practice squad for Sunday's game.
Leading receiver Jalen Coker (quad) enters the weekend with a questionable tag. Right tackle Monroe Freeling cleared concussion protocol and will start against the Lions. Starting left guard Damien Lewis (elbow) was previously ruled out.
Along with Reed, the Panthers elevated veteran cornerback Robert Rochell from the practice squad. Rochell provides depth with rookie Will Lee III and Akayleb Evans set to start in place of Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin). The Panthers have several notable players on injured reserve ahead of their Week 5 bye, including Legette, Horn, Jackson, Nic Scourton, Chris Brazzell II, Brady Christensen, Jonathon Brooks, and Trevor Etienne.
Starting tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are on the PUP and NFI lists, respectively.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing