Former Midland Lee Rebel Brazzell Expected to Miss Start of NFL Rookie Season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers rookie and former Midland Lee Rebel, Chris Brazzell II, is expected to miss up to eight weeks after suffering a moderate lateral collateral ligament tear in his left knee during practice Wednesday, according to ESPN.

The injury occurred on a noncontact play during a 7-on-7 drill. Brazzell, who was competing for the Panthers' No. 3 wide receiver role, was unable to put weight on his left leg and was helped onto a cart. He is expected to seek a second medical opinion.

Brazzell, a third-round draft pick out of the University of Tennessee, had already missed two practices earlier this week because of soreness in the same knee.

He's the son of former Angelo State standout Chris Brazzell.

“He felt weird on it, sat down. We took him in. We'll get a full evaluation and get a picture of that, and we'll give you guys more information there,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday.

Brazzell is the latest Carolina player to sustain an injury during training camp. Second-year pass rusher Nic Scourton suffered a season-ending torn ACL last week, while backup tight end Mitchell Evans was carted off the field Tuesday with what the team later identified as a low ankle sprain.

The Panthers are also expected to begin the regular season without starting offensive tackles Taylor Moton and Ickey Ekwonu. Guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt have also missed practice time because of injuries.

Carolina selected Brazzell with the expectation he would provide a deep-threat option alongside reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.

Brazzell ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and finished his final collegiate season at Tennessee with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns.