Ja'Tavion Sanders injury: Panthers TE stretchered off field after scary landing vs. Chiefs

On Sunday, Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders suffered an apparent head/neck injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. After hauling in a pass from Bryce Young, Sanders absorbed a hit to his legs, causing him to flip through the air and land on his head.

After crawling toward the sideline, Sanders didn’t attempt to stand. Team trainers rushed to Sanders’ aid and he was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher.

Before leaving the game, Sanders was the Panthers’ leading receiver, boasting three catches for 49 yards. Since being drafted this offseason, Sanders has made immediate contributions to the Panthers. The former Texas standout entered the game on Sunday with 26 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers selected Ja’Tavion Sanders with the No. 101 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Sanders spent three seasons at Texas, where he made 39 appearances. In his final season with the Longhorns, Sanders notched 45 receptions for 682 yards and two scores.

Earlier this season, Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik praised Sanders’ talents.

“He’s confident. He’s doing natural football adjustments,” Idzik said. “He sits in the soft spot as Bryce [Young] is scrambling around, and Bryce finds him.

“The after-the-catch thing is real… The more times you show you’re going to do something special after the catch, the more apt the quarterback is to get the ball into your hands.”

Two favorites emerge to land QB Daniel Jones

Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is likely to land in one of two places, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are two of the likeliest teams to land free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones, per sources,” Schefter wrote on Twitter. “But they are hardly the only ones. Jones wants to sign with a playoff contender, and what happens in Week 12 is expected to influence his decision.”

Following his demotion as starting quarterback, Jones is expected to clear waivers and become a free agent. The former first round pick out of Duke wants to be on a playoff team and contribute in whatever way he can.

The Vikings and Ravens might’ve emerged as the favorites, but as Schefter pointed out, they’re hardly the only ones. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported other candidates going into the weekend.

“I’ve been texting with people around the league, and I think that six to eight teams will at least have cursory interest in Daniel Jones once he clears waivers Monday at 4:00 pm,” Fowler predicted. “Obvious need is the Las Vegas Raiders. They’ve had quarterback problems all year. There is a quarterback coach there, Frederick Walker, who worked specifically with Jones at Duke, so they have a relationship. Could be something to watch there.

“Jacksonville, if they shut down Trevor Lawrence for the year with his shoulder issue, although I think he wants to play. But if they do, he’s an upgrade over Mac Jones. And the 49ers are a situation to monitor. Brock Purdy (is) out this week, could be out next week. Maybe they need an upgrade too. Kyle Shanahan has always loved mobile quarterbacks. That’s what Daniel Jones is.”

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this article.