Ja'Tavion Sanders: Everything you need to know

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.

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 Observer reports. 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.