Carolina Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has been released from the hospital following a scary moment during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sanders caught a pass from Panthers quarterback Bryce Young out in the flat and was flipped upside down on a tackle by Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie.
The tight end landed on his head – with his neck appearing to buckle under the pressure – and he was left laying on the ground.
After a lengthy pause and medical attention from the Panthers’ training staff, Sanders had to be carted off the field.
Sanders raised his arms to the crowd as he was being carted off in a signal to fans that he was okay.
He was transported to a Charlotte, North Carolina hospital for further evaluation. According to head coach Dave Canales, Sanders has since been discharged and has movement in his extremities.
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has been released from hospital after this hit
Sanders was carted off the field after he landed on his head following the tackle
Carolina selected Sanders in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 101st pick.
Sanders is a Texas product who has racked up 29 catches on 35 targets this season for 302 yards and one touchdown.
The 3-8 Panthers played the 10-1 Chiefs down to the wire at home sparked by a furious second-half comeback after being down 20-9 at the half.
Carolina was likely hoping that they could be able to force overtime against the Chiefs when running back Chuba Hubbard scored a touchdown to tie the game at 27-27 with 1:46 remaining in the game.
But the Chiefs were able to drive down the field and set up a 31-yard field goal that kicker Spencer Shrader converted with ease to win the game 30-27.
It’s unclear if Sanders will be healthy and available for the team when they play the NFC South division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.
