With tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders lost for the NFL campaign, Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales is prepared to move on with a combination of Tommy Tremble, rookie Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell.
Sanders, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, suffered a broken ankle injury during the first quarter of last Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers (8-8) lost out on an opportunity to capture their first NFC South championship since 2015. They get a second chance Saturday at the slumping Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9).
Sanders will be watching from afar.
“I mean, that stuff is tough, man,” Tremble said, via Panthers.com. “He’s a good player, works hard, and so to see him go down, that was really tough for us as an offense.”
The Panthers, who employ multiple double-tight-end sets, compensated for the loss by utilizing offensive lineman Jake Curhan as an eligible receiver for four snaps. Tremble competed in 41 of 53 snaps.
“Yeah, it definitely took some of our game out of there,” Canales said.
Mitchell is slated to dress for his fifth game this season. The Panthers on Tuesday signed veteran tight end Ross Dwelley on the practice squad.
#Panthers rookie tight end Mitchell Evans (84) should continue to see increased #NFL snaps Saturday versus host #Buccaneers … pic.twitter.com/OG35vl7QwL
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 2, 2026
Carolina Panthers Players Have Own Timetables
Following the Week 17 loss, Panthers players remained confident in qualifying for the franchise’s first trip to the playoffs since 2017.
Bryce Young often talks of his personal 24-hour rule. The third-year quarterback maintains a mental stance of celebrating a win or demeaning a defeat for 24 hours. Like last Sunday’s 54-yard passing performance, Young said he “flushes” such outings and moves on.
Others, like wide receiver Jalen Coker, have different timetables.
“I think its quicker than 24 hours,” Coker said. “I’m over it. We know what we have to do. We know what the mission is.”
#Panthers WR Jalen Coker addresses the key for Saturday’s #NFL matchup at #Buccaneers for the NFC South title … pic.twitter.com/woAeqNNgkK
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 2, 2026
Panthers Strikes
Running back Rico Dowdle needs seven scrimmage yards Saturday to earn a $1 million bonus. … The Panthers have alternated wins and losses since Week 7. … The Buccaneers have dropped seven of their last eight outings … The Panthers on Friday elevated linebacker Jacoby Windmon and cornerback David Long Jr. from the practice squad. Guard Robert Hunt and wide receiver David Moore were listed as out for Saturday.
Everyone wants know. Will #Panthers injured G Robert Hunt return on #NFL Saturday … pic.twitter.com/a4J0LcnMyr
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 2, 2026
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