Ja'Tavion Sanders - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Rehab going well Panthers GM Dan Morgan said Tuesday that Sanders (fibula) has resumed running and making cuts in his rehab and could be ready for the start of OTAs, Joe Person of The Athletic repo...

Impact Sanders is recovering from surgery undergone to address a broken right fibula suffered late December. Across 13 regular-season appearances last year, the 2024 fourth-round pick secured 29 of 34 targets for 190 yards and one touchdown. Unless Carolina makes significant additions to the TE position in the 2026 NFL Draft or via free-agent signings, Sanders and Tommy Tremble will be positioned again operate as the team's top options at tight end.

APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE

Officially placed on IR The Panthers placed Sanders (fibula) on injured reserve Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Impact Sanders facing recovery from surgery to address a broken right fibula suffered on the first play of Carolina's loss to Seattle in Week 17, with the expectation being that even if the Panthers manage a deep playoff run, he will miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign. With Sanders sidelined, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell will hold down the fort at TE for Carolina. Across 13 regular-season appearances in Year 2 of his NFL career, Sanders secured 29 of 34 targets for 190 yards and one touchdown.

JANUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers' Bryce Young could see more man-to-man defense after major flop against Seahawks

Bryce Young could face more man-to-man coverage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday

DECEMBER 29, 2025 • Associated Press

Tight end plan took a hit with Ja'Tavion Sanders injury Sanders suffered a broken ankle on the first play of the game, when they lined up with three tight ends. But they still found new ways to us...

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Has broken ankle, set for surgery Coach Dave Canales said after Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seahawks that Sanders suffered a broken ankle during the contest and is slated for surgery, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Obse...

Impact Based on Canales' comments, Sanders almost assuredly will miss a Week 18 matchup with the Buccaneers, the winner of whom will take the NFC South. In reality, though, Sanders' 2025 season likely is over, even if the Panthers were to make a deep playoff run. For as long as Sanders is sidelined and Carolina's campaign remains alive, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell will be the tight ends available to the offense.

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out of Sunday's game Sanders (ankle) won't return to Sunday's game versus the Seahawks, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Impact Sanders had his lower right leg rolled up by RB Rico Dowdle on the Panthers' first play from scrimmage Sunday. The second-year tight end needed help getting to the sideline and then was carted to the locker room before he was ruled out. Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans will take on TE duties for the Panthers for the rest of Week 17.

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers ankle injury Sunday Sanders departed Sunday's game against the Seahawks due to a right ankle injury, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.

Impact On the Panthers' first play from scrimmage in Week 17, RB Rico Dowdle tallied an 11-yard carry but rolled up into Sanders' lower right leg as he was tackled to the ground. Sanders required assistance to get off the field and then was carted to the locker room. Carolina has deemed the second-year TE questionable to return, but if Sanders isn't able to, Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans will handle snaps at the position for the rest of Sunday's outing.

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Snags TD in Week 16 win Sanders caught both of his targets for nine yards and one touchdown in Carolina's 23-20 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Impact Sanders' six-yard touchdown in the third quarter have the Panthers a 20-17 lead. The tight end has produced fewer than 20 receiving yards in eight of his 12 appearances this season and offers little fantasy value headed into next Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

DECEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers' Bryce Young scrambles & finds Ja'Tavion Sanders for go-ahead TD against Buccaneers | NFL Highlights

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

Logs five yards in Week 16 Sanders caught both of his targets for five yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Saints.

Impact The 22-year-old has struggled to contribute over the Panthers' last three games, catching all three of his targets for 11 yards during that span. However, Sanders logged 29 offensive snaps Sunday, slightly more than both Tommy Tremble (28) and Mitchell Evans (25). Even if Sanders remains Carolina's top pass-catching tight end, he'll likely carry limited fantasy value due to the team's ongoing offensive consistency issues in the Week 16 matchup against the Buccaneers.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Blanks in Week 13 Sanders was not targeted during Sunday's 31-28 win over the Rams.

Impact The second-year pro from Texas has served as Carolina's top receiving tight end throughout the season, catching 25 of 30 targets for 176 yards across 10 appearances. However, he's been targeted just once over the Panthers' last two games, indicating that his role may be shrinking as the season progresses. Carolina is on bye in Week 14, but Sanders will likely carry minimal fantasy value in the Week 15 matchup against the Saints.

DECEMBER 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Young throws 3 TDs, Panthers turn over Stafford 3 times to end Rams' 6-game win streak, 31-28

Bryce Young completed 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns — two of them coming on fourth down — and the Carolina Panthers forced three turnovers by Matthew Stafford...

NOVEMBER 30, 2025 • Associated Press

Just one target in loss Sanders caught his lone target for six yards in Monday night's 20-9 loss to the 49ers.

Impact Although he was targeted just once, Sanders was the only Panthers' tight end to contribute in the receiving game Monday night. He's now caught 25 of 30 targets for 176 yards through just nine contests this season. Expect the Texas product to remain Carolina's No. 1 option at TE but carry minimal fantasy value in the Week 13 matchup against the Rams.

NOVEMBER 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Just one catch vs. Green Bay Sanders caught his lone target for five yards during Sunday's 16-13 win over the Packers.

Impact 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.

NOVEMBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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 relevant, especially if Bryce Young (ankle) is sidelined.

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Practices without limits Thursday Sanders (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 16, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Limited again Wednesday Sanders (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Impact Sanders now has logged three limited sessions and a full practice in his last four chances to do so, indicating his 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.

OCTOBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Inactive again in Week 6 Sanders (ankle) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Cowboys, Darrin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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

OCTOBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Viewed as game-time decision 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.

Impact 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.

OCTOBER 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Panthers' Bryce Young scrambles & finds Ja'Tavion Sanders for go-ahead TD against Buccaneers | NFL Highlights

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