Panthers open Legette’s practice window on Wed.

Legette has missed the past six games but could join the active squad for the first time since Week 2. Even if he returns this week, the third-year wideout may have trouble carving out a fantasy-relevant receiving role every week behind Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, tight ends Darren Waller and Tommy Tremble, and running back Chuba Hubbard. However, even in this crowded picture, the 25-year-old could warrant a stash in some deep leagues for those craving anyone with upside at wide receiver. His added presence could help Bryce Young’s fantasy value as the season goes on.

Canales said the oft-injured Brooks still has “some things to clear recovery-wise” but noted that he could still have his practice window opened this week. Brooks suffered a core muscle injury in Week 2 against the Falcons and handled just 11 touches in his first two games of the year. Given his injury history, it’s hard to know how close he could truly be to dressing on game day, but even when he does return, we would still expect Chuba Hubbard to handle the majority of touches given how efficient he has been this season. In addition to Brooks, Canales said the team is also weighing when to open the return window for Xavier Legette, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with a knee injury.

Legette was already ruled out for Week 4, which marks his second straight absence. He will now be forced to miss the next four games while on injured reserve, making his absence a total of five games, at minimum. John Metchie and Brycen Tremaine will continue to operate as the WR3 in the interim.

Legette will miss a second straight game with his knee injury. He has caught just two passes for 64 yards on six targets this season and wouldn’t be on the fantasy radar even if he were active. In addition to Legette, the Panthers also ruled out OG Damien Lewis (elbow) for Week 4 against the Lions while OT Monroe Freeling (concussion), DT Lee Hunter (foot), and DT Cam Jackson (knee) were all listed as questionable.

Panthers coach Dave Canales said WR Xavier Legette (knee) is week-to-week, while Coker “is more day-to-day.” Canales adds that the team “has to see Coker move around before he returns to action.” Coker remains firmly in the questionable camp at this time. He might have a chance to play in Week 4 against the Lions, but fantasy managers should make a serious backup plan.

Jalen Coker (ankle), meanwhile, is active. Legette made a big catch in Week 2, but he’s one of the only boats not rising with the tide of the Panthers’ ascending offense. He is off the radar in 12-team league fantasy, especially now that he’s injured.

Xavier Legette (knee) remains a game-time decision. Both players were officially listed as questionable on Friday. Coker has gotten off to a red-hot start this year with 16 grabs for 204 yards and a pair of scores through two weeks. Even if he’s limited by the ankle issue, the production is too good to keep on the bench. He is, at worst, a WR3 for his date with the Browns.

Legette popped up on Thursday’s injury report as a DNP and was limited on Friday. The third-year receiver underwent an MRI, but it doesn’t sound like it revealed anything too concerning given his practice status for Friday. Even if he is active, Legette isn’t on the fantasy radar this week. He’s managed just two receptions for 64 yards on four targets so far this season.

On Monday, Legette told reporters that he was scheduled to undergo an MRI. He practiced fully on Wednesday, so everything seemed to be all good. Evidently, he was not feeling well enough to practice today, though. Legette mostly serves as a distraction for safeties, though he did catch a 55-yard touchdown in Week 2.

Legette beat Atlanta deep for a 55-yard gain at the end of the second quarter. The catch set up an eventual Darren Waller touchdown. While Legette isn’t on the fantasy radar heading into Week 3, he seems to have carved out a solid role as the Panthers’ No. 3 receiver.