Panthers' injury bug potentially gets worse

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Chris Brazzell II. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Panthers' injury bug potentially gets worse with rookie third-rounder injury scare

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Jul 29, 2026 1:12 PM ET

The Carolina Panthers aren't catching any breaks during training camp.

On Wednesday, rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II went down with an apparent knee injury.

The Charlotte Observer Panthers reporter Mike Kaye noted on social media that the 2026 third-round pick (No. 83 overall) "held his [left] knee after a 7 on 7 rep and then sat down" before being looked at by trainers and carted off the practice field.

"Just something happened, he felt weird on it. Sat down," head coach Dave Canales told reporters after the morning camp session. "We took him in, we'll get a full evaluation and get a picture of that."

Dave Canales checks a few boxes with injury updates on Brazzell/Evans and a Fan Fest pitch in one answer. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/rLuI2J4IZC
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 29, 2026

Chris Brazzell held his right knee after a 7 on 7 rep and then sat down. He’s been looked at by trainers. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 29, 2026

The Panthers already lost 2025 second-round edge-rusher Nic Scourton to a season-ending torn ACL, while starting offensive tackles Ikem Ekwonu (torn patellar tendon) and Taylor Moton (blood clot) are also inactive, as well as defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton (neck) and Bobby Brown III (hamstring).

Adversity is already hitting Carolina, which is coming off its first NFC South title since 2015, and Brazzell's injury might be the most impactful.

Chris Brazzell II's injury could have significant implications for the Panthers offense

Earlier in camp, Canales discussed wanting to use 2025 Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the slot more often, and the third-year coach specifically mentioned Brazzell being key to diversifying McMillan's alignment.

"Chris Brazzell gives us the opportunity to move [McMillan] inside a little bit more," Canales said, per Panthers Wire. "We can pop T-Mac inside, put Chris at the single."

A significant injury could alter those plans, requiring McMillan to operate on the outside. Even a minor injury could result in Brazzell, who had 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns as a redshirt junior at Tennessee last season, seeing less action ahead of the Aug. 6 Hall of Fame Game after he was previously held from Sunday's practice with knee soreness.

The Panthers have been dealt brutal injury luck. Based on his potential importance to the offense, a long-term Brazzell injury could have significant consequences, keeping Canales' attack from reaching its full potential.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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