Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip) was tagged with a DNP to kick off this week's worth of practice. It's no surprise, as the 23-year-old was considered week to week with what was once labeled as a groin injury. He sustained it this past weekend in Carolina's 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It's unfortunate news for the rookie, as he was getting a ton of playing time in his first NFL season -- leading the Panthers' wide receiver corps in snaps. With Legette likely to sit out this weekend's contest against the Arizona Cardinals, it will open up playing time for WR Deven Thompkins. Additionally, teammates Adam Thielen and Jalen Coker figure to get a bump in target share.

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (groin) will likely be inactive for Sunday's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals and is considered week to week. The rookie wideout was forced from Week 15's loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the second half and did not return. In addition to his most recent ailment, Legette has also been dealing with a wrist injury that stems from his 2021 collegiate season. Reportedly, he's expected to have surgery to repair ligaments in his wrist after the regular season. While it apparently has yet to affect his play, being hurt rarely ever boosts your productivity. With the 23-year-old probably sitting out in Week 16, wide receivers Deven Thompkins and David Moore project to pick up extra snaps.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore didn't stand out at all in the Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, catching two of his four targets for 19 receiving yards. In a game in which the Panthers offense struggled against the rejuvenated Cowboys defense, Moore failed to capitalize after rookie receiver Xavier Legette left the game with a groin injury. Rookie Jalen Coker led the team with 110 receiving yards and a touchdown thanks to an 83-yard touchdown reception. All four of Moore's targets came in the fourth quarter with Legette on the sidelines. If Legette is forced to miss time, Moore should enter the starting lineup alongside Coker and veteran Adam Thielen, potentially giving him deep-league flex value in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals. Moore caught 11 of 19 targets for 121 yards and a TD in Weeks 12 and 13 with Coker sidelined.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has now run for a career-high amount of rushing yards in three straight weeks. The 26-year-old is enjoying a breakout in his fifth NFL season, his first with an extended role. Dowdle rushed 25 times for 149 yards in the Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers, taking advantage of a strong rushing matchup. He did not record a target in the dominant victory. Dowdle and the Cowboys will be back in action next Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a tougher matchup on the ground than the previous few.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw for 219 yards and one touchdown off 19-for-28 passing in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. He also had two picks and added 12 yards and a score off three touches. The signal-caller has played better of late compared to the start of the 2024-25 campaign. However, he seemingly took a small step backward in Week 15. But it appears Young will have an opportunity to turn it around, with head coach Dave Canales stating the 23-year-old would remain under center in Week 16 versus the Arizona Cardinals. With that in mind, that won't necessarily make him a trustworthy fantasy option.