Ja'Tavion Sanders assesses how he has done in transition to NFL

The Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has been impressive, to say the least, throughout the off-season. Sanders has stepped up and performed well in training camp, with veteran tight ends Tommy Trimble and Ian Thomas missing time early as they recover from their respective injuries.

Recently, Sanders shared his appreciation for the mentorship and guidance Tremble and Thomas have provided him thus far. The former Texas Longhorns stand out for how their guidance has assisted him in his transition to the NFL.

“Oh, yes, sir,” said Sanders when asked if he felt he was transitioning well so far. “Like I said, I’m just trying to take it day by day. I’m coming along. Without Tommy and Ian and those guys just staying in my ear, you know, staying on me, I wouldn’t be where I’m at. So I appreciate them.”

Sanders was selected by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft with the No. 101 overall pick. Currently, the rookie tight end is penciled in as a third-stringer on Carolina’s depth chart. But with Trimble and Thomas currently sitting out with injuries, it has given him the opportunity to take snaps with the starting unit.

Given how things have started for Sanders’s tenure in Carolina, it is a good thing that his veteran position mates have taken him under their wing and shown him the ropes early and often. Now, the former Longhorns star is in a position to make a name for himself early in his NFL career.

Carolina Panthers rule out Bryce Young for preseason opener

Bryce Young is looking to showcase why he was the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft throughout his sophomore season, following up a disappointing rookie campaign.

He’s learning a new system due to the hire of Dave Canales by the Panthers, and some theorized we’d see it in action for the first time in Carolina’s preseason opener, slated for Thursday against the New England Patriots. Evidently, that won’t be coming to fruition.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter relayed the quarterback’s status for Thursday’s game on social media, which was made official by the franchise on Tuesday

“Panthers said QB Bryce Young will not play in their preseason opener,” Schefter revealed.

Evidently, Young will have to wait to see the field against an opposing team. The former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback will have his next opportunity in Week 2 of the preseason, against the New York Jets on Saturday, Aug. 17. That game will be at home for the Panthers.

Regardless, Carolina will be more focused on Young’s play during the regular season than anything he does over the summer, but the quarterback want to prove he’s helped the team improve.

He’s shown to be capable at times, but his rookie season was tough with the state of the team in 2023.