Panthers coach Frank Reich gives update on timeline for Miles Sanders' first action

It looks like Panthers fans are going to have to wait to see Miles Sanders get his first game-action in Carolina.

According to Panthers head coach Frank Reich, Sanders is going to miss this week’s preseason game against the New York Giants, and may sit out the team’s third game as well, leaving his debut to Week 1 of the NFL regular season instead.

“It looks like running back Miles Sanders’ first game action in a Panthers uniform will come during the regular season,” wrote Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “Sanders did not play last week because of a groin injury and head coach Frank Reich said on Wednesday that Sanders will also miss this week’s preseason game against the Giants. Reich said that Sanders may also sit out the third game and that seems like a pretty good bet given the importance of having the back ready for the regular season.

“Sanders signed with the Panthers as a free agent in March. Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear, and Spencer Brown all got carries against the Jets in the preseason opener.”

Alas, it seems as if the Panthers are opting to be extremely careful regarding Sanders’ health. With a rookie quarterback in Bryce Young leading the way for Carolina, the franchise’s running back is going to be a big factor in 2023.

Last season for the Philadelphia Eagles, Sanders posted 1,269 rushing yards with an additional 148 yards on the way to a Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The former second-rounder out of Penn State has 739 career regular-season carries in four years in the league.

After the league’s new year, Sanders did not wait around like other running backs to sign a deal when free agency hit this offseason. Promptly on March 15, Sanders signed a four-year deal with the Carolina Panthers for $25.4 million, ending his time in Philadelphia, and beginning a new chapter of his career.

While Sanders flashed repeatedly with the Eagles, he never reached elite running back numbers for one reason or another. It could be due to the advent of the team’s quarterback rushing game, as Jalen Hurts certainly vultured some touchdowns form him, and perhaps that’s what Carolina is betting on.

Nevertheless, it seems as if the Panthers are a good fit for Miles Sanders, as long as he can stay on the field. Time will tell if he’s able to in Carolina.