Ja’Tavion Sanders injury update: Panthers TE released from hospital after scary landing

Carolina Panthers (3-8) tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has been discharged from the hospital, head coach Dave Canales said after Sunday’s 30-27 Week 12 home defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs (10-1).

Sanders was stretchered off the field just before halftime after suffering a concussion and neck injury. Sanders hauled in a pass from quarterback Bryce Young and was upended, landing directly on his head. He went to the hospital for further evaluation.

Not good, Ja'Tavion Sanders is down after a bad landing pic.twitter.com/Y4DH3T9RPq

— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) November 24, 2024

Sanders was the Panthers’ leading receiver before leaving, coming down with three catches for 49 yards. The former Texas standout entered the game with 26 receptions for 253 yards and a touchdown.

Ja’Tavion Sanders injured, Panthers fall short of upset vs. Chiefs

The Panthers nearly pulled off the upset of the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs, tying the game with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter courtesy of a one-yard score from running back Chuba Hubbard. 1:46 proved to be too much, as the Chiefs quickly marched into field goal range, the big play a 33-yard scramble from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Spencer Shrader, filling in for the injured Harrison Butker, hit a 31-yard field goal as time expired to give Kansas City the victory.

Despite the loss, it’s another step forward for the Panthers, who have played better since Young’s return to the starting lineup in Week 8. Speaking of Young, he completed 21-of-35 passes for 263 yards and a score. Canales officially named him the starter for next Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6).

“I mean, yeah, I don’t have to make any statements. He’s making it for himself,” Canales said. “He’s continued to show us the progress we’re looking for, bringing our skill players to life.”