India, July 31 -- Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell III will miss the entire 2026 NFL season after opting to undergo surgery to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left knee. League sources confirmed that the decision was made after Brazzell sought a second medical opinion, with both the player and the franchise agreeing that surgery offered the best long-term outcome for his recovery and future career.

The injury brings an early end to Brazzell's rookie campaign before he has the chance to make his NFL debut. Rather than attempting to return later in the season, the Panthers and Brazzell chose a full rehabilitation process, meaning the young receiver is now expected to focus on his recovery and tar...