Ja'Tavion Sanders: Everything you need to know

Sanders (fibula) is participating in practice at OTAs on Wednesday, Alex Zietlow of The Charlette Observer reports. Sanders is running and cutting laterally without issue at OTAs, and it appears he's officially back to full health after having undergone surgery to address a broken right fibula suffered last December. He and Tommy Tremble remain positioned as the Panthers' top options at the tight end position, with Sanders potentially being the favorite for more pass-catching utilization. Across 13 regular-season appearances in 2025, Sanders secured 29 of 34 targets for 190 yards and one score.

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 reports. 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.

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