This may be a strange statement to make here in 2024, but the Carolina Panthers really could’ve used Miles Sanders this past Sunday.
After starting running back Chuba Hubbard was placed on injured reserve a day earlier because of a calf strain, the Panthers were forced to roll with Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone out of their backfield in Week 17. What they got in return was the least productive rushing performance of their season, as Carolina amassed all of 39 yards on the ground in their 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That measly output may have reminded a few folks that the Panthers will have Sanders, who has been out for the last seven games due to a foot injury.
So, will he be able to make his return for this weekend’s finale against the Atlanta Falcons?
Head coach Dave Canales was asked about Sanders’ status on Monday.
“Miles has been cleared,” Canales replied. “Last week, he was cleared to be able to play. So, really looking forward to getting him back on the field for practice this week.”
Canales then clarified that although Sanders was given clearance last week, that the green light came a tad too late to get him ready for Week 17.
“Yeah, he was cleared later in the week, so it really wasn’t enough time to get him back into the flow of things for this week,” he later added. “But really looking forward to opening that window and getting him back out there.”
Sanders has rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown on 38 attempts this season.