Three catches in preseason opener
Sanders (ankle) brought in all three targets for 13 yards in the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday.
Sanders started the game and recorded his first two receptions on the Panthers' first pair of plays from scrimmage. The 2024 fourth-round pick has been solid in a rotational role over his first two seasons, posting a combined 62-532-2 line on 77 targets over 29 regular-season games. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Sanders has a chance to overtake Tommy Tremble for the No. 1 tight-end role, although it's possible head coach Dave Canales opts to continue utilizing both players in a 1A-1B type of arrangement again.
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AJ Dillon
Impresses in HOF Game
Dillon rushed three times for 18 yards and a touchdown and secured his only target for 18 yards in the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday.
Trevor Etienne
Draws start in preseason opener
Etienne started the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday, rushing four times for 12 yards and bringing in his only target for minus-1 yard.
Xavier Legette
Deemed healthy
Coach Dave Canales said Thursday following the Hall of Fame Game that Legette (neck) "feels great" and is healthy, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Kenny Pickett
Solid in preseason opener
Pickett started the Hall of Fame Game against the Cardinals on Thursday, completing eight of 11 passes for 62 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Injures ankle Tuesday
Sanders exited Tuesday's practice with an ankle injury, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Won't play in HOF Game
Brooks won't play in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Xavier Legette
Won't play in HOF Game
Legette (stinger) won't play in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, but he should resume practicing next week, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
Xavier Legette
Diagnosed with stinger
Legette was diagnosed with a stinger after leaving Tuesday's practice early, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Xavier Legette
Carted off practice field
Legette was carted off the practice field Tuesday after suffering an apparent upper body injury, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Bryce Young
Won't play in HOF Game
Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that Young won't play in Thursday's preseason opener versus the Cardinals, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.