{"id":18717,"date":"2024-11-25T00:13:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T00:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gpt.m2mbeta.com\/?p=18717"},"modified":"2024-11-25T00:13:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T00:13:42","slug":"panthers-te-jatavion-sanders-suffers-neck-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpt.m2mbeta.com\/?p=18717","title":{"rendered":"Panthers TE Ja\u2019Tavion Sanders Suffers Neck Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"
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5:25pm: <\/strong>Panthers head coach\u00a0Dave Canales<\/strong> said that Sanders has been discharged by the hospital, per The Charlotte Observer\u2019s Mike Kaye<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2:36pm: Ja\u2019Tavion Sanders<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>will miss the remainder of the Panthers\u2019 Week 12 contest due to a neck injury. The rookie tight end has been taken to hospital for evaluation, per a team announcement. \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Sanders was flipped out of bounds after making a catch during the second quarter of Sunday\u2019s matchup with the Chiefs. He hit his head upon landing and was ultimately placed on a backboard and carted off the field. ESPN\u2019s David Newton notes<\/a> Sanders showed movement on his way out of the stadium, and the team has confirmed that remains the case as he receives further evaluation (h\/t Joe Person of The Athletic<\/a>).<\/p>\n

That could leave his time in hospital as a quick precautionary measure, but in any event this injury could lead to notable time on the sidelines. Sanders had appeared in every game so far this season, logging a 60% snap share. The fourth-rounder drew at least five targets four times during a five-game span recently, a sign of his increasing role in Carolina\u2019s passing game. With fellow tight end Ian Thomas<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>landing on IR<\/a> this past week, an opportunity exists for Sanders to solidify his status as a key skill-position figure down the stretch.<\/p>\n

However, this injury could leave him unavailable for an extended period. The Texas product recorded 253 yards and one touchdown on 26 catches entering Sunday\u2019s action. Continuing that production once back in the fold will be key in establishing Sanders\u2019 role on offense moving forward. Part of the Panthers\u2019 overall efforts to add playmakers on offense via the draft this spring, he could develop into a long-term contributor over time as Carolina looks to rebuild.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, attention will turn to Sanders\u2019 recovery. With the Panthers sitting at 3-7 on the year heading into Week 12, a hurried return to action to help a postseason push is not in the cards. If he can suit up at some point later this year, though, Sanders could continue what has been a relatively encouraging rookie campaign.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n