Chandler Zavala Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Rams vs Panthers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 24, 2025
Spotted with boot
Zavala (calf) had a walking boot on his left leg following Monday night's 20-9 loss to the 49ers, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala suffered a calf injury in the third quarter, ultimately being unable to return to the contest. The 26-year-old will likely undergo some additional testing in the near future. The offensive lineman was replaced at right guard by Jake Curhan, who could be set for a starting role moving forward if Zavala is forced to miss any action.
Nov 24, 2025
Won't return Week 12
Zavala (calf) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's game against the 49ers, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala was able to walk off the field under his own power after sustaining a calf injury in the third quarter. He will not return to Monday's game, so Jake Curhan will remain in the contest at right guard.
Nov 12, 2025
Practices in full Wednesday
Zavala (elbow) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala missed this past Sunday's loss to New Orleans after not practicing all week. That he was able to return to practice as a full participant on the first day of Week 11 prep suggests Zavala has an excellent chance of returning to action Sunday against Atlanta.
Nov 7, 2025
Won't play in Week 10
Zavala (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
The 26-year-old was unable to practice all week after sustaining an elbow injury in the Week 9 win over the Packers, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. Jake Curhan is likely to operate as the Panthers' starting right guard while Zavala is out in Week 10.
Nov 5, 2025
Misses Wednesday's practice
Zavala (elbow) didn't practice Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala returned from a knee injury in the Week 9 win over the Packers before exiting later in the game with an elbow issue. He'll likely need to log at least a limited practice session Thursday or Friday to have a chance at playing in the Week 10 matchup against the Saints.
Nov 2, 2025
Has elbow injury
Zavala has an elbow injury and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Packers, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting right guard just came back from injured reserve after missing the last four weeks with a knee injury. Jake Curhan and Austin Corbett are Carolina's backup guards Sunday.
Nov 2, 2025
Active for Sunday's contest
Zavala (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Packers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting right guard was activated from injured reserve Saturday after logging a full week of practice. Zavala last played in September, missing Carolina's last four games.
Nov 1, 2025
Ready for Sunday
Zavala (knee) was activated from the injured reserve list Saturday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala logged a full week of practice and is now expected to return for Carolina's Week 9 matchup against the Packers. Now back at full health, expect the North Carolina State product to operate as the Panthers' top right guard Sunday.
Oct 29, 2025
Full session in return to practice
Zavala (knee) logged a full practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala has missed Carolina's last four games with a knee injury and this marked his first practice since suffering the injury. Per coach Dave Canales, Zavala looked good with his running and cutting. He'll need to be activated from injured reserve by Saturday to be active for Week 9 against the Packers, but Zavala appears to be closing in on retaking his starting role at right guard.
Oct 29, 2025
Practice window opens
Zavala (knee) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala's return to practice Wednesday comes as no surprise, as Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reported Monday that he would be designated to return from IR at some point this week. The Panthers now have 21 days to add him to the active roster before reverting to IR, and he's expected to start at right guard once fully healthy.
Oct 27, 2025
Nearing return
Zavala (knee) will have his 21-day practice window opened later this week, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
The third-year pro from NC State has missed the Panthers' last four games after sustaining a knee injury in the Week 4 loss to the Patriots. Once his practice window opens, Carolina will have 21 days to add him to the active roster before reverting to IR. Zavala will likely assume the Panthers' top right guard duties once fully healthy.
Oct 1, 2025
Moves to IR
Zavala (knee) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2023 fourth-round pick from NC State had been serving as the Panthers' top right guard while Robert Hunt (biceps) was sidelined, but he'll now be forced to miss at least the team's next four contests. Brady Christensen is likely the next man up at right guard while both Zavala and Hunt are on IR.
Sep 28, 2025
Won't return versus Pats
Zavala (knee) was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game versus New England, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala exited with a knee injury during the first quarter. While the nature of this injury is still unclear, the third-year offensive lineman will remain out until at least the Week 5 game versus Miami on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Sep 28, 2025
Exits game with knee injury
Zavala is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Patriots due to a knee injury, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala appeared to suffer the injury in the first quarter. He was able to walk off the field under his own power and is having his knee injury evaluated by medical staff. Brandon Walton -- who the Panthers elevated from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday -- has taken over at right guard in Zavala's absence.
Aug 22, 2025
Gets back on field
Zavala (knee) played 22 offensive snaps during Carolina's 19-10 preseason loss to the Steelers on Thursday, Kassidy Hill and Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site report.
ANALYSIS
Zavala missed much of training camp due to a knee injury, but he's managed to meet the goal of returning in time for Carolina's preseason finale that coach Dave Canales had previously set. The 2023 fourth-round pick is set to handle a backup role at guard this season, and he could be tasked with stepping up immediately if Damien Lewis (guard) is less than 100 percent for Week 1.
Aug 11, 2025
Aiming for late-August return
Panthers head coach Dave Canales relayed Monday that the team hopes Zavala (knee) can be back in time for the preseason matchup against Pittsburgh on Thursday, Aug. 21, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala hurt his knee in late July and wasn't able to play in Carolina's first preseason contest this past Friday. It sounds like he'll miss this Saturday's contest against Houston as well, though the NC State product could be back for the team's third's preseason game. Zavala is slated to function in a rotational role at guard this season.
Jul 29, 2025
Dealing with knee injury
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Tuesday that Zavala is considered "week-to-week" with a patella injury that he suffered during Monday's training camp practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The injury puts Zavala in jeopardy of missing the Panthers' preseason opener against the Browns on Aug. 8. The 2023 fourth-rounder started in two games in 2024 and is expected to be Carolina's top backup offensive guard. Zavala's absence opens the door for Ja'Tyre Carter and Jarrett Kingston to get more reps at guard during practice and preseason games.
Aug 20, 2024
Returns Tuesday
Zavala (hamstring) was spotted participating in Tuesday's practice, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala had been dealing with a hamstring issue initially believed to be a long-term concern, but he returned to the field just five days after sustaining the injury. Now that Zavala has returned to full health, he's expected to serve as Carolina's top backup offensive guard in 2024.
Aug 15, 2024
Could miss extended time
Zavala is dealing with a hamstring injury that may not be short-term, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala ended last season on injured reserve due to a knee injury but recovered during the offseason and suited up for the Panthers' preseason opener last Thursday versus New England. However, he's now dealing with a hamstring issue that head coach Dave Canales said "could be a longer deal." Zavala is expected to fill a reserve role at guard if he's healthy enough to suit up when the regular season kicks off.
Aug 9, 2024
Appears in entire game
Zavala played every snap of Carolina's preseason defeat to New England, Kassidy Hill and Darin Gantt of the team's official site report.
ANALYSIS
Zavala is now back and fully healthy after a knee injury kept him on IR during a bulk of the 2023 season. The 6-foot-5 offensive guard is currently sitting at the second-string left guard spot behind Damien Lewis but could see elevated opportunities if he continues to play well during the preseason.
Nov 29, 2023
Placed on injured reserve
The Panthers placed Zavala (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury during Sunday's loss to the Titans. Cade Mays (ankle) should start at left guard in Zavala's place, and Carolina will now be without both starting guards as Austin Corbett (knee) is also on injured reserve.
Nov 29, 2023
May need trip to IR
Zavala may be out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Titans, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala's potential status for the weeks ahead is currently up in the air as the team works to gather further information on his injury, but it currently doesn't sound good for the rookie guard.
Nov 26, 2023
Out for game
Zavala (knee) will not return to Sunday's game against the Titans, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting left guard exited the field on a cart earlier in the contest. Brett Toth shifted to left guard to replace him.
Nov 26, 2023
Leaves game with knee injury
Zavala (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Titans, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala was carted to the locker room along with linebacker DJ Johnson (neck). In Zavala's absence, Brett Toth has shifted to left guard while Cade Mays has entered into the game at right guard.
Oct 25, 2023
Returns to practice Wednesday
Zavala (neck) was a full participant in Carolina's practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala returned to practice after missing the team's Week 6 loss to the Dolphins with a neck injury. The 24-year-old should now return to his starting spot at left guard for Sunday's matchup with the Texans.
Oct 13, 2023
Out Sunday
Zavala (neck) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against Miami.
ANALYSIS
Zavala suffered a neck injury during the Panthers' Week 5 loss to the Lions and he didn't practice all week, making it no surprise that he's been ruled out ahead of Sunday's affair. Cade Mays will likely step into the starting left guard role in Zavala's stead.
Oct 9, 2023
Suffers stinger
Zavala suffered a "really bad stinger" Sunday against the Lions, according to head coach Frank Reich, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala was able to avoid what initially appeared to be an extremely serious injury, but the rookie offensive lineman will still likely miss some time. How much time though is still unknown though. He should likely be considered questionable at best for Week 6 against the Dolphins.
Oct 8, 2023
Back with team
Zavala (neck) was able to fly back with the Panthers to Charlotte, Darin Gantt of Carolina's official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala suffered a scary neck injury which required the medical staff to take him off on a backboard in the first half of Sunday's loss to the Lions, but he was checked out at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and ultimately was able to travel with his team back to Charlotte. The offensive lineman seems likely to be forced to miss some action moving forward, but considering how serious the injury looked, Zavala's ability to return to the Panthers is a positive turn of events.
Oct 8, 2023
Has movement in extremities
Zavala is alert and has movement in all of his extremities after being taken to a Detroit hospital as a result of suffering a neck injury in Sunday's contest against the Lions, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
In a scary scene during the first quarter, Zavala lay motionless on the field for several minutes before being carted to the locker room. The rookie was able to give a thumbs-up signal as he was being taken away, and early signs from the hospital appear to be promising. Zavala was replaced at left guard by Cade Mays following his departure.
Oct 8, 2023
Carted off field
Zavala was carted off the field during Sunday's game against the Lions after suffering a neck injury in the first quarter, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports. He won't return to the contest.
ANALYSIS
Zavala remained on the ground motionless for several minutes before being carted off the field, though he was fortunately able to give the fans at Ford Field the thumbs-up sign before he was wheeled into the locker room. The rookie fourth-round pick has started all five games this season. He was replaced at left guard by Cade Mays.
Aug 5, 2023
Activated from PUP list
Zavala (pectoral/hamstring) has been activated from the Panthers' active/physically-unable-to-perform list, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala started camp on the active/PUP list due to a pectoral issue, which allowed him to still practice with the team. He subsequently injured his hamstring and was sidelined with both injuries. Now, the rookie has a clear bill of health across the board and is expected to continue competing for a depth guard role on Carolina's final 53-man roster.
Jul 25, 2023
Injures hamstring
Zavala is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala was already dealing with a pectoral injury that landed him on the PUP list and is now dealing with a hamstring injury as well. The rookie fourth-round pick will now look to get healthy ahead of the start of the regular season.
Jul 23, 2023
Starts camp on PUP list
Zavala (pec) will start training camp on the Panthers' active/PUP list, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Zavala was selected by the Panthers in the fourth round of the 2023 Once healthy, he will compete for the starting right guard spot with usual starter Austin Corbett expected to miss the beginning of the season.
Jun 13, 2023
Misses Tuesday's practice
Zavala (pec) was absent from the Panthers' mandatory minicamp Tuesday, Anthony Rizzuti of Yahoo Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2023 fourth-round selection is still expected to compete for the starting spot at right guard, as Carolina's usual starting right guard Austin Corbett is expected to miss the beginning of the year. Head coach Frank Reich told reporters that the North Carolina State product will "be fine for training camp." and that he "just needs time to recover."
Apr 29, 2023
Staying in Carolina
The Panthers selected Zavala in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 114th overall.
ANALYSIS
Zavala is a local product who played alongside last year's first-rounder, Ikem Ekwonu, at North Carolina State. The left guard played two seasons for the Wolfpack and is still tapping into his potential with just one year of high school football experience before starting his college career at Fairmont State. He's got great size for a guard at 6-foot-3 and 316 pounds. Athleticism isn't his strong suit, but his physicality will translate to the next level.
Apr 29, 2023
Staying in Carolina
The Panthers selected Zavala in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 114th overall.
ANALYSIS
Zavala is a local product who played alongside last year's first-rounder, Ikem Ekwonu, at North Carolina State. The left guard played two seasons for the Wolfpack and is still tapping into his potential with just one year of high school football experience before starting his college career at Fairmont State. He's got great size for a guard at 6-foot-3 and 316 pounds. Athleticism isn't his strong suit, but his physicality will translate to the next level.
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