Ja'Tavion Sanders Injury News & Updates

Sanders caught all four of his targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 30-27 overtime win over the Falcons.

The second-year pro from Texas (37 snaps) logged fewer offensive snaps than Tommy Tremble (42 snaps) but still paced the Panthers' tight-end room in targets and receptions. Sanders has caught all nine of his targets for 54 yards over Carolina's last two games, establishing himself as the team's top receiving option at TE. He's expected to remain one of Bryce Young's favorite targets and could be a viable streaming option in the Week 12 matchup against the 49ers.

Sanders caught all five of his targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 17-7 loss to New Orleans.

It was the second-highest reception total of the season for the second-year tight end, after a 7-54-0 line in Week 2. Sanders is still looking for his first touchdown of 2025, and Carolina's limited passing attack might not give him many opportunities to end that drought. Sanders will take a 20-148-0 line on 25 targets through seven games into a Week 11 clash with the Falcons.

Sanders caught his lone target for five yards during Sunday's 16-13 win over the Packers.

The second-year tight end from Texas has struggled to settle in since returning from injury in the Week 7 win over the Jets, posting just four catches for 24 yards across 87 offensive snaps. Even so, he's expected to remain the Panthers' top pass-catching tight end heading into the Week 10 matchup against the Saints.

Sanders caught all three of his targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 40-9 loss to the Bills.

Since returning from an ankle injury in the Panthers' Week 7 win over the Jets, Sanders has caught just three of five targets for 19 yards. However, he still operated as the team's top tight end in Week 8, logging 31 offensive snaps to Tommy Tremble's 28. Sanders played a significant role on Carolina's offense before sustaining an injury, catching 11 of 14 targets for 82 yards over the team's first three games. He's expected to be more involved in the passing game ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Packers, especially if Bryce Young (ankle) returns.

Sanders was targeted twice but didn't record a catch in Sunday's 13-6 win over the Jets.

Sanders returned to in-game action Sunday after missing the Panthers' last three contests due to an ankle injury. However, he wasn't heavily involved in the team's offensive game plan, drawing just two targets. The second-year pro has now caught 11 of 16 targets for 92 yards through four games this season. Although Sanders is expected to continue operating as the Panthers' top tight end in the Week 8 matchup against the Bills, he unlikely to carry much fantasy value, especially if Bryce Young (ankle) is sidelined.

Sanders (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Sanders has been ramping up his participation in practice, and Thursday's full session puts him on track to return from a three-game absence Sunday against the Jets. Sanders could jump right back into a prominent role in a favorable matchup against a Jets defense that has allowed a league-high six touchdowns to tight ends this season.

Sanders (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Sanders now has logged three limited sessions and a full practice in his last four chances to do so, indicating he's nearing the end of his recovery from a high right-ankle sprain that has sidelined him the last three games. His status will be monitored as the week goes on to get a sense of if he's trending toward a return to action Sunday at the Jets.

Sanders (ankle) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Cowboys, Darrin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sanders thus will miss a third straight game due to a high right-ankle sprain that he suffered Week 3 versus the Falcons. On a positive note, he followed an LP/DNP/LP practice regimen during Week 6 prep, so he appears to be closing in on a return to action. TEs Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and even James Mitchell will continue to play increased roles in the Panthers offense Sunday.

Sanders (ankle), who is officially questionable for Sunday's Week 6 tilt versus Dallas, is not likely to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Sanders suffered a high-ankle sprain against Atlanta in Week 3. He missed Carolina's subsequent two games and appears in line for a third straight absence this Sunday. Sanders did manage to practice in full Thursday this week, but he was limited again Friday and entered the weekend deemed questionable to return to action. If he indeed sits out against the Cowboys, Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans would again be in line to lead the Panthers' tight-end corps.

Sanders (ankle) listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas and will be treated as a game-time decision, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Sanders appeared good to go after a full practice Thursday, but he dropped back to 'limited' status Friday and is now being treated as a game-time decision ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If he does end up missing a third straight game, Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans will take on more work at tight end again.

Sanders (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

With an uncapped session under his belt, Sanders looks on track to make his return to action Sunday against the Cowboys, after a right high-ankle sprain had kept him out of commission for each of the Panthers' last two contests. Assuming he gets the green light to play this weekend, Sanders should step back in as Carolina's top tight end, which would result in a reduced snap share for Tommy Tremble.

Sanders (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.

This marks Sanders' first on-field activity since he sustained a high right-ankle sprain Week 3 against the Falcons. He may need to practice fully by Friday in order to enter the weekend without a designation for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys. In three games this season, Sanders has hauled in 11 of 14 targets for 92 yards and no touchdowns.

Sanders (ankle) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Sanders is practicing for the first time since suffering a right high-ankle sprain Week 3 versus the Falcons. After having missed the last two games, it appears the second-year pro could have a chance to return for Sunday's matchup against Dallas. If cleared to play Week 6, Sanders will rejoin Tommy Tremble atop the depth chart at the tight end position.

Sanders (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

With Sanders set to miss his second straight game, Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans will lead the team's TE corps versus Miami, with Mitchell Evans in reserve. In Carolina's Week 4 loss to the Patriots, Tremble caught five of his eight targets for 42 yards and a touchdown, while Evans caught three of his four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown. Sanders' next chance to see game action will arrive Oct. 12 against the Cowboys.

Sanders (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

After sitting out last week's loss to the Patriots due to a right ankle sprain, Sanders may be trending toward a second straight absence this Sunday against the Dolphins. He sat out Wednesday's walk-through session and remained a spectator Thursday, leaving him with just one more opportunity to log some on-field work before the Week 5 contest. If Sanders remains out this weekend, Tommy Tremble would be in line for another start at tight end after producing a 5-42-1 receiving line on eight targets in the loss to New England.

Sanders (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

Sanders hasn't been able to take part in drills since he suffered a high right-ankle sprain during a Week 3 win against the Falcons. Until he gets back on the practice field, he's unlikely to be a consideration for game days, leaving Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and even James Mitchell to man tight end for the Panthers in the interim.

Sanders (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at New England.

It's a mere technicality, with Sanders expected to miss multiple games after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 3. The Panthers are left with Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell as their top tight ends, making Tremble a clear favorite to start even if he's unlikely to see more than a few targets.

Sanders (ankle) is week-to-week due to the high-ankle sprain he suffered during the Panthers' win over the Falcons in Week 3, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Sanders is not practicing Wednesday but is also not wearing the walking boot he was previously spotted in, per Joe Person of The Athletic. The second-year pro appears on track to sit out Sunday's road matchup against the Patriots, and possibly longer, but the team hasn't yet officially provided an official timetable for his recovery. If Sanders indeed misses time, in his absence Tommy Tremble will be positioned for an uptick in receiving work.

Sanders has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain following his MRI on Monday and is expected to miss multiple weeks, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Sanders' injury could make him a candidate for IR, in which case he'd be required to sit out at least four contests. The second-year tight end was forced out of Sunday's win over the Falcons in the fourth quarter. As long as Sanders is unable to take the field, Tommy Tremble will figure to handle a modest uptick in receiving volume in addition to his usual blocking responsibilities.

The Panthers are awaiting MRI results to diagnose the severity of Sanders' right ankle/foot injury, though initial X-rays were encouraging, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Sanders was forced out of Sunday's blowout win over the Falcons early, though he secured both of his targets for 11 yards before leaving the field. The second-year pro has operated as Carolina's top pass-catching tight end, so if he were to miss any time it would provide an opportunity for Tommy Tremble to take on extra receiving work.

Sanders sustained an ankle injury during Sunday's game versus the Falcons, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Sanders was being attended to by team trainers before the Panthers tagged him as questionable to return early in the fourth quarter. He hauled in both of his targets for 11 yards prior to his departure.

Sanders corralled seven of nine targets for 54 yards in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Cardinals.

Sanders finished as the second-leading receiver for Carolina behind impressive rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan's 100-yard game. The 22-year-old Sanders has taken a firm grasp of the No. 1 tight end role over Tommy Tremble (3-20-0) after producing seven receptions for 81 yards through two appearances. Sanders is shaping up to be a solid PPR option in Week 3 when the Panthers host the Falcons next Sunday.

Sanders caught two of his three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's 26-10 loss to the Jaguars.

The second-year pro from Texas appears to be the Panthers' top tight end following the Week 1 loss, playing 39 offensive snaps -- 10 more than backup Tommy Tremble. Sanders drew just three targets Sunday but showcased his ability to make plays as a vertical threat, catching an 18-yard pass from Bryce Young. If Carolina's defense continues to struggle and forces Young into pass-heavy game scripts, Sanders could develop into a viable streaming option as the season progresses. He will look to build on his performance in Week 2 when the Panthers travel to Arizona.

Sanders is listed as the Panthers' top tight end on the first unofficial depth chart of the 2025 regular season, which was released Thursday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Sanders is listed above Tommy Tremble, who missed most of training camp and the preseason while recovering from offseason back surgery. While Sanders was always expected to handle the majority of pass-catching reps at tight end entering Year 2, while Tremble would see more blocking work, this development bodes well for the second-year pro's odds of leading the team in snaps at the position. With Jalen Coker (quadriceps) on short-term IR and Adam Thielen having been traded to Minnesota, Sanders' outlook in terms of volume has improved heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against the Jaguars.

Sanders is "shining" at training camp, according to Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer.

It sounds like Sanders has been especially impressive during red-zone drills, catching a bunch of TD passes from Bryce Young. The 2024 fourth-round pick finished his rookie season with a 33-342-1 receiving line, serving as Carolina's top pass-catching TE for much of last season while splitting snaps with Tommy Tremble, who currently resides on the PUP list with a back injury. A strong summer could help Sanders take more snaps away from Tremble come September.

Sanders caught three of his five targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 44-38 overtime win against the Falcons.

Sanders had really struggled since returning from his neck injury in the Week 14 loss to the Eagles, managing to catch just one of his three targets for five yards over four games prior to Sunday's performance. The rookie tight end from Texas finished as the Panthers' fourth-leading receiver in Week 18, outpacing fellow tight end Tommy Tremble (30 yards). Sanders finished his rookie campaign as Carolina's top receiver from the tight end spot, recording 33 receptions for 342 yards and one touchdown in 16 appearances.

Sanders failed to catch his only target in Sunday's 30-14 loss to the Cowboys.

Since returning from a neck injury in Week 14, Sanders has seen just two targets and failed to catch either. He was out-produced by Tommy Tremble for the second consecutive game, with Tremble recording three receptions for 18 yards and one touchdown during that span. Sanders' offensive role appears to have diminished as of late, and he will likely continue to split Carolina's top tight end duties with Tremble as the season progresses.

Sanders failed to catch his only target in Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Eagles.

The 2024 fourth-round pick missed the Panthers' Week 13 loss to the Buccaneers after sustaining a neck injury the game prior, and he delivered a lackluster performance in his return Sunday. Sanders was not targeted in the final three quarters the Week 14 loss after failing to connect with Bryce Young on a deep ball in the first quarter. Despite this, the rookie still leads the Panthers' tight end corps in receiving yards (302) and receptions (29) in 11 appearances this season. He'll likely continue to split offensive snaps with Tommy Tremble in Week 15, when the Cowboys visit Carolina.

Sanders (neck) is listed as active Sunday at Philadelphia, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sanders is back after missing one game due to a neck injury that he sustained following a scary fall back in Week 12 against the Chiefs. He'll thus act as Carolina's top tight end Sunday against an Eagles defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest YPT (6.16) to opposing tight ends this season.

Sanders (neck) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Philadelphia after being a full practice participant Friday, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.

Panthers coach Dave Canales said after Friday's practice that he expects Sanders to play, per Joe Person of The Athletic. The rookie missed Week 13 after taking a hard hit Week 12, pausing a run of strong form in which he'd caught nine of 10 targets for 144 yards and a TD over the span of two and a half games. Sanders has been one of Carolina's more productive pass catchers on a per-route basis this year, but he's only been a full-time starter in the absence of fellow tight end Tommy Tremble, who currently is healthy.

Sanders (neck) was limited at Thursday's practice.

Sanders made an early exit from a Week 12 loss to the Chiefs due to a neck injury, which required a cart for him to get to the locker room and a hospital visit for further evaluation. He didn't practice at all last week before the Panthers ruled him out for this past Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Sanders got back on the field Wednesday but was donning a red non-contact jersey, leaving him limited. One day later, he had ditched that jersey, per Joe Person of The Athletic, but Sanders' activity level remained the same. Sanders thus will have one more session to prove his health ahead of Sunday's visit to the Eagles.

Sanders (neck) was limited Wednesday and wore a red non-contact jersey at the portion of practice open to the media, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Head coach Dave Canales said Monday he's hopeful Sanders, who hasn't played since injuring his neck Week 12, will be able to return Sunday versus the Eagles. The rookie fourth-round pick didn't practice last week, so it's encouraging to see him back on the field Wednesday, but he'll need to resume handling full contact reps in short order for a chance at retaking the field Week 14. Tommy Tremble racked up a season-high 77 yards on five catches (eight targets) in Week 13 with Sanders sidelined.

Coach Dave Canales said Monday that the hope is Sanders (neck) will be able to return next Sunday against the Eagles, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Sanders injured his neck in Week 12 against the Chiefs and didn't practice last week before missing this past Sunday's loss to the Bucs. With Sanders out versus Tampa Bay, Tremble played 100 percent of the offensive snaps for the first time in his career and set career highs across the board in targets (eight), catches (five) and yards (77).

Sanders (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Sanders unsurprisingly hasn't practiced since suffering a serious-looking injury during last week's loss to the Chiefs. With his promising rookie season on hold, the Panthers figure to turn back to Tommy Tremble as their top tight end. Tremble played every snap on offense after Sanders' early departure last Sunday.

Sanders (neck) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sanders is in recovery mode from a neck injury that he sustained this past Sunday against the Chiefs in which he was carted off the field and required further evaluation at a Charlotte area hospital. Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that he doesn't expect Sanders to be available for Sunday's game versus the Buccaneers, per Gantt, but the tight end may get back on the practice field before week's end. Friday's injury report will reveal as much and also may include a ruling on his Week 13 status.

Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that the Panthers don't expect Sanders (neck) ro play Sunday against the Buccaneers, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Sanders was placed on a backboard and carted off the field just before halftime of this past Sunday's loss to the Chiefs after he landed on his neck as he was tackled at the end of a 10-yard catch and run. He was evaluated further at a Charlotte area hospital before getting discharged not long after the game. Canales relayed to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer on Monday that Sanders avoided a serious injury before adding Wednesday that the rookie tight end may practice later this week. No matter, Sanders seems destined to be inactive Week 13.

Sanders (neck) isn't practicing Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sanders endured a scary situation this past Sunday versus the Chiefs when he was tackled low at the end of a 10-yard catch and run and landed on his neck. He was placed on a backboard before being carted off the field and taken to a Charlotte area hospital, but he was discharged not long after the game. On Monday, coach Dave Canales told Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer that Sanders avoided a serious injury, but the rookie right end won't take part in any drills to begin Week 13 prep. Sanders' listing on practice reports Thursday and Friday may be telling for his odds to play Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Coach Dave Canales said Monday that Sanders (neck) avoided a serious injury in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Sanders was, in fact, in the Panthers' team building Monday, which is a good sign after he was taken to the hospital for testing following the injury Sunday. The Panthers are still evaluating if Sanders will be able to play next Sunday against the Bucs, but it does sound like the rookie tight end will play again this season.

Sanders, who left Sunday's game against the Chiefs due to a neck injury, has been released from the hospital, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Sanders had been transported to a local hospital Sunday after being carted off the field supported by a backboard. Per Newton, though the rookie tight end was subsequently discharged from the hospital, he still is being evaluated. The Panthers' next game is Dec. 1 against the Buccaneers.

Sanders won't return to Sunday's contest against the Chiefs due to a neck injury, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Sanders landed on his helmet at the end of a 10-yard catch and run late in the first half. Prior to getting carted off the field, he was placed on a backboard and had his neck stabilized, and the Panthers relayed that the rookie tight end was transported to a Charlotte-area hospital to be evaluated further. Sanders thus will end Week 12 with three catches on as many targets for 49 yards.

Sanders (head/neck) was carted off the field during Sunday's game versus the Chiefs, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Sanders went head over heels at the end of a 10-yard catch and run when he took a low hit on the left sideline, with his helmet taking the brunt of the fall. He was placed on a backboard before needing a cart to go to the locker room. An official diagnosis isn't yet known, but Sanders had three catches (on three targets) for 49 yards when he departed just before halftime.

Sanders secured both of his targets for eight yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' 20-17 overtime win over the Giants in Munich on Sunday.

Sanders operated as the top tight end with Tommy Tremble (back) out once again, and he cashed in with his first NFL touchdown on a five-yard grab in midway through the first quarter. The rookie heads into a Week 11 bye with six receptions for 95 yards and Sunday's score over his last two games and should continue to enjoy a reliable role in the air attack down the stretch run of the season.

Sanders is expected to serve as the Panthers' top tight end in Sunday's game against the Giants in Munich with Tommy Tremble (back) inactive for the contest, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

While Tremble has missed three of the Panthers' past four games due to the back injury and a concussion, Sanders has produced well in all three of those contests. He's logged at least 73 percent of snaps in each of those games while producing an 15-197-0 line on 18 targets. The first two of those games came with Andy Dalton under center, but the rookie fourth-round pick out of Texas showed a rapport with Bryce Young at quarterback in the Week 9 win over the Saints, finishing with four receptions for a career-high 87 yards.

Sanders (wrist/ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Sanders was added to the injury report Thursday as a limited participant before upgrading to full participation Friday. Fellow tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is listed as questionable, but a pair of full practices this week suggest he's likely to play, which could mean a reduction in Sanders' workload. On the other hand, Sanders' performance in recent weeks could mean his playing time is less dependent on Tremble's health. Sanders has played at least 70 percent of snaps in the five games Tremble has missed or left early, compared to 50 percent snap share or less the four weeks when Tremble has been fully available.

Sanders was limited at Thursday's practice due to wrist and ankle injuries.

Sanders wasn't listed on the Panthers' practice report Wednesday, so the mention of two new health concerns may mean the cap on his reps Thursday is maintenance related. Fellow tight end Tommy Tremble (back) also was limited Thursday, while Feleipe Franks practiced fully but remains in the concussion protocol. As a result, the state of Carolina's TE room is up in the air ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants in Germany.

Sanders secured four of five targets for 87 yards in the Panthers' 23-22 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Sanders recorded a team- and career-high yardage figure with the help of a game-long 46-yard catch on the second play of the second half. The rookie fourth-round pick now has at least four catches and 49 receiving yards in three of the past four games, and with Tommy Tremble (back) seemingly unable to stay healthy for long, Sanders may be asserting himself as the top option at tight end.

Sanders caught his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Broncos.

The 2024 fourth-round pick out of Texas appeared to be emerging as a reliable receiving option after catching 11 passes for 110 yards across the Panthers' last two contests. However, Tommy Tremble's return from injury in Week 8 seemed to make Sanders an afterthought in Carolina's offensive gameplan. Given the Panthers' recent struggles on offense, Sanders is likely best left out of fantasy lineups in Week 9 when the Saints come to Carolina.

Sanders (groin/wrist) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Broncos,

Sanders is ready to rock for Week 8, a contest in which he seems positioned to operate as one of quarterback Bryce Young's unquestioned top targets in the passing game. Wideouts Diontae Johnson (ribs) and Adam Thielen (hamstring), the latter of whom remains on IR, are both ruled out versus Denver, while fellow tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is listed as questionable despite logging a full practice Friday. Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, David Moore and Jonathan Mingo will also be available to flesh out the wide receiver corps, but Sanders is averaging 6.0 targets and 41 yards per game in his last three appearances and could be Carolina's safest receiving option, though his production in those contests came with Andy Dalton (thumb) at the helm.

Sanders (groin/wrist) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Sanders has logged back-to-back limited practice sessions while nursing a pair of injuries. He secured all six of his targets for 61 yards in Carolina's blowout 40-7 loss to the Commanders in Week 7, having yet again acted as one of the Panthers' lone bright spots on offense. If Sanders manages to suit up Sunday versus the Broncos, he'll work with Bryce Young under center rather than Andy Dalton (thumb).

Sanders (groin/wrist) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

He's a new addition to the injury report this week, after catching each of his six targets for 61 yards in a 40-7 loss to the Commanders on Sunday. The outlook for Week 8 isn't encouraging even if Sanders shakes off the health concerns, as he'll be catching passes from QB Bryce Young in a road matchup with a tough Denver defense. There's also some chance fellow Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble is able to return from a back injury this week and give Sanders more competition for playing time.

Sanders recorded six receptions on six targets for 61 yards in Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Commanders.

Tommy Tremble (back) was forced to miss his second consecutive game, allowing Sanders to be one of the few bright spots in Carolina's blowout loss. Across the last two contests, Sanders has recorded 11 receptions for 110 yards on 13 targets. His potential usage once Tremble is healthy remains unclear, but Sanders has taken the opportunity to show he can be a productive pass catcher as a pro.

Sanders corralled five of seven targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Falcons.

Sanders finished as Carolina's second-leading receiver behind Diontae Johnson (6-78-1) while setting new single-game highs in targets, receptions and yards. The 21-year-old Sanders more than doubled his season yardage total with Sunday's effort, which shows how little the rookie was involved in the passing game up until this point. Those in need of tight end help might look Sanders' way in the event he builds off of this performance against the Commanders next Sunday.

Sanders caught three of his five targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Bears.

The Texas product tied Jonathan Mingo for the second-most targets on the Panthers during Sunday's loss. However, four of Sanders' five targets came after Tommy Tremble left in the second quarter with a concussion. With Ian Thomas (calf) expected to return from injury in the coming weeks, Sanders could see his snap share decrease. Carolina's tight end room remains relatively open, so if Sanders can impress during the Panthers' Week 6 matchup against the Falcons, he could have an opportunity to serve as the team's top TE.

Sanders caught both of his targets for 16 yards and no touchdowns during Sunday's 34-24 loss to the Bengals.

Tommy Tremble appeared to have reclaimed Carolina's No. 1 tight end spot after out-performing Sanders in Week 3. However, the rookie from Texas caught two passes to Tremble's none in Week 4, so it seems that Sanders was more involved in the team's offensive gameplan. Sanders remains too inconsistent to be a viable fantasy option at the moment, but he's likely the Panthers' best pass-catching TE, and his role could grow as he continues adjusting to the NFL level.

Sanders failed to catch his only target during Sunday's 36-22 win over the Raiders.

With Tommy Tremble all the way back from his hamstring injury, Sanders has reverted to Carolina's No. 2 tight end spot. The rookie tight end played just 26 offensive snaps and was held without a catch for the first time in his young career. For the time being, it appears Sanders will struggle to be fantasy-relevant due to limited opportunities. However, he could earn increased playing time in the Panthers' relatively weak tight end room as the season continues.

Sanders caught both of his targets for eight yards during Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Chargers.

Despite Sanders recording just eight receiving yards in Week 2, the rookie out-snapped Tommy Tremble (24 to 22) in his first week back from a hamstring injury. The Panthers may have been trying to ease Tremble back in, but it's promising that Sanders continued to see significant playing time Sunday. Regardless of how much the Texas product is on the field, he'll keep struggling to be fantasy-relevant unless Carolina's offense improves from its current average of scoring just 6.5 points per game across the first two weeks.

Sanders caught his only target for four yards during Sunday's 47-10 loss to the Saints.

The rookie tight end out of Texas saw increased opportunities with Ian Thomas (calf) and Tommy Tremble (hamstring) missing Sunday's contest. Sanders played 43 offensive snaps - 23 more than any other tight end for Carolina - but this still didn't lead to much production, as Sanders struggled along with the rest of the Panthers' offense. He caught a four-yard pass in the first quarter and was not targeted for the rest of Sunday's affair. Sanders was the Panthers' leading receiver at tight end in Week 1, but it appears that the team's offense as a whole will have to improve for Sanders to have fantasy value this season.

Sanders could see increased opportunities Sunday against the Saints, as Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) and Ian Thomas (calf) have been ruled out.

Sanders won't face competition for playing time from either of Carolina's banged-up veterans as the 2024 fourth-round draft pick makes his NFL debut Sunday. Along with Sanders, the Panthers have converted wide receiver Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson available at tight end, but coach Dave Canales said Friday that Sanders will start, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Sanders recorded two receptions on two targets for 22 yards in Saturday's 15-12 preseason loss to the Jets.

The Panthers didn't play any of their starters in the contest, so the fact that Sanders was on the field doesn't necessarily bode well for his position on the depth chart to begin the season. That doesn't come as a particular surprise as tight end is a demanding position to learn at the pro level, due to the combination of both blocking and receiving demands. In the short term, Sanders managed his first receptions as a pro, a good first step in his quest to move up the depth chart.