Chris Brazzell knee injury sends Panthers rookie for tests
Panthers coach Dave Canales said rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II will have his left knee evaluated after a noncontact practice injury.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Chris Brazzell knee injury concerns hit the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday after coach Dave Canales said the rookie receiver would undergo testing on his left knee following a noncontact incident at practice, according to ESPN News Services.
Brazzell, a third-round pick from Tennessee, was hurt during a 7-on-7 period. ESPN reported that he could not put weight on his left foot while being helped to a cart.
The injury came after Brazzell had already missed two practices earlier in the week because of soreness in the same knee, according to the report.
Canales told reporters, in comments cited by the Panthers’ website, that Brazzell felt something unusual, sat down and was taken inside for evaluation. The coach said the team would get a full look at the injury and provide more information afterward.
What happened to Chris Brazzell at Panthers practice?
According to ESPN News Services, Brazzell suffered a noncontact injury to his left knee during Wednesday’s practice and was taken off after needing assistance to reach a cart. The Panthers had not announced test results at the time Canales addressed reporters.
A noncontact injury means the player was hurt without being hit or tackled. Teams often use imaging and medical exams after those moments to determine the severity, especially when the knee is involved.
For Carolina, the timing is rough. Training camp opened last week, and Brazzell was one of the new pieces in a young receiver group the Panthers are trying to build around.
The Panthers selected Brazzell in the third round this year, adding him through the NFL draft after his college career at Tennessee. ESPN reported that Carolina viewed him as a potential deep threat alongside Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.
Brazzell brought speed into camp. He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in February, according to ESPN, and had 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Volunteers.
Panthers injuries are piling up early
Brazzell is the latest Panthers player to be injured since the start of camp, according to ESPN News Services.
Carolina already lost second-year pass rusher Nic Scourton last week to a torn ACL that will end his season. Backup tight end Mitchell Evans was carted off Tuesday, though Canales said Wednesday that tests showed a low ankle sprain and that Evans could be back later this week.
The Panthers also are set to begin the regular season without both starting offensive tackles. ESPN reported that Taylor Moton is out with a blood clot and lung issue, while Ickey Ekwonu is dealing with a knee injury.
Starting guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt have also missed practice time because of injuries. Lewis has a calf issue and Hunt has a back injury, according to ESPN.
Carolina is scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6. The Panthers were listed at 0-0 on ESPN’s game page for the matchup.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.