Ja'Tavion Sanders
Tight End #0
Ja'Tavion Sanders News
Ja'Tavion Sanders Sees Fantasy Value Fall After Recent Acquisition
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders has seen his fantasy value further drop this offseason. Throughout his career, he has 62 catches for 532 yards and two touchdowns over his first two seasons. He was even less productive in 2025, finishing with 29 receptions for 190 yards and one touchdown in 13 games. Things went from bad to worse as Sanders missed five games with an ankle sprain and later suffered a season-ending broken fibula in Week 17. Now he has to compete with Tommy Tremble for snaps, while Carolina recently added Darren Waller. Waller scored six touchdowns in nine games for Miami last season despite missing time with injuries. Sanders is the better receiving option than Tremble, but Carolina has rarely given its tight ends enough targets to support a fantasy starter, and the addition of Waller makes those targets harder to find. He should therefore remain undrafted in most 2026 leagues. Dynasty managers can still hold him, but another disappointing campaign could send him to the waiver wire.
Aug 23, 2026 1:59 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Might Have to Battle to Keep his Job
ESPN's Mike Kaye writes that Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders "might need to battle to keep his job" in Carolina after the addition of veteran Darren Waller on a one-year deal on Wednesday. Sanders has struggled with ankle injuries over the last two seasons and had surgery for his most recent ankle injury last season. The Panthers kept Sanders, Mitchell Evans, Tommy Tremble, and James Mitchell on their 53-man roster in 2025, but with Waller now on board, a dynamic shift could be coming to the team's TE room. Evans and Tremble are traditional TEs, with Waller and Sanders primarily pass-catchers. The 34-year-old Waller will become the oldest non-specialist on the roster when he officially signs. Kaye observes that the Panthers entered Wednesday with just three non-specialists over 30 years old. Feleipe Franks is also held in high regard for his contributions on special teams, which could push Sanders off the roster at the end of the preseason.
Aug 13, 2026 8:07 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Suffers Ankle Injury on Tuesday
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) left Tuesday's training camp practice with an ankle injury, but head coach Dave Canales said he had a great day, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. It doesn't sound like Sanders suffered a serious injury, but we'll keep an eye on his status moving forward. The 23-year-old former fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft from the University of Texas had a disappointing sophomore campaign in 2025, playing in only 13 regular-season games while catching 29 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown. Sanders had a 33-342-1 line in 16 games as a rookie, so he hasn't exactly moved the needle much in fantasy football early in his NFL career. Going into Year 3, Sanders is expected to be Carolina's primary pass-catching TE, but he also has to contend with both Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans. The Panthers' offense just hasn't relied enough on the TE position to make Sanders matter in most fantasy football leagues. Sanders is outside of RotoBaller's top-41 rankings at the position for 2026.
Aug 4, 2026 9:35 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Unlikely to Factor into 2026 Fantasy Draft Plans
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was limited to only 12 games in 2025 as he dealt with a high-ankle sprain early in the year before breaking his fibula in Week 17. While he showed some promising flashes, whether because of his injuries or an offensive system that has not asked much of its tight ends in the passing game, Sanders was never a consistent contributor, failing to reach 35 receiving yards in any game after Week 2 and being held out of the end zone until Week 16. Sanders is fully recovered from his late-season injury, and while the Panthers did not make any meaningful additions to the position through free agency or the draft, head coach Dave Canales has never had a tight end reach 50 receptions, 500 yards, or five touchdowns in his time as play caller for either the Panthers or Buccaneers. Despite his obvious physical abilities, any calls for a Year 3 breakout from Sanders involve a fair amount of wishful projection, and he is likely a player that will start the year on waivers in most 2026 redraft leagues.
Jul 24, 2026 5:39 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Entering 2026
A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders has struggled to break through to fantasy-relevant production in the first two years of his NFL career. Sanders battled injury in 2025, missing time early in the year with an ankle sprain and then suffering a season-ending broken fibula in Week 17. He finished the year with 29 catches for 190 yards and one touchdown on 34 targets across 13 games. Still, Sanders should have an opportunity to emerge as a key piece of the Panthers' passing game in 2026. His primary competition for playing time in Carolina is veteran tight end Tommy Tremble, who excels as a blocker but has never reached 250 receiving yards in any of his five NFL seasons. In dynasty formats, Sanders could be a worthy buy-low target for managers searching for upside at the tight end position.
Jul 10, 2026 6:10 AM EST
Dynasty Hope Remains for Ja'Tavion Sanders Despite a Subpar Situation
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders has yet to make a fantasy impact in the NFL since coming into the league as a highly productive pass-catcher at Texas. The 2024 fourth-round pick missed five games in his sophomore season and ended the year with only 190 receiving yards on a paltry 6.6 yards per catch. Dating back to his time with Tampa, head coach Dave Canales has never had a tight end reach 50 receptions or 500 yards, and through his first three seasons, quarterback Bryce Young has yet to prove capable of supporting a high-volume passing offense. That said, if there is a tight end on the roster capable of spurring a philosophical shift, it is undoubtedly Sanders, with the rest of the depth chart built out by dedicated blockers Tommy Tremble and James Mitchell, along with 2025 fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE40, there is still hope of a moderate third-year breakout for Sanders, but with two years remaining on his rookie deal, if the Panthers offense doesn't take a meaningful step forward in 2026, he could ultimately prove to be little more than a frustrating dynasty hold.
Jun 16, 2026 6:00 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Cutting Laterally at OTAs
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (leg) looks freshly healthy during OTA practices this week and was cutting laterally like he did before suffering a season-ending leg injury in 2025, according to Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer. Sanders played in 13 games (five starts) last year in his second season in the NFL before suffering a broken right fibula in December that required surgery. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder (101st overall) in 2024 out of the University of Texas caught 29 of his 34 targets for 190 yards and one touchdown before his injury. He's batting Tommy Tremble for the title of top pass-catching TE in Carolina, but Sanders has more fantasy upside long-term if he can stay on the field. Tremble is the better blocker of the two, and Sanders caught 33 passes for 342 yards and a score in 16 games (eight starts) in his first year in the league for the Panthers. Until we see more from Sanders in Year 3, he'll merely be a TE streaming option when bye weeks hit in 2026. RotoBaller currently has Sanders ranked as the No. 39 TE going into the upcoming campaign.
May 27, 2026 6:48 PM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders a Sneaky Buy in Dynasty Leagues
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders can arguably be thrown into the category of 2026 offseason winners, but how that actually translates to his dynasty value remains to be seen. The Panthers were considered one of the most tight end-needy teams in the league, but in an NFL Draft that saw 21 tight ends come off the board, not one of them went to Carolina. Sanders led all Panthers tight ends with 29 receptions in 2025 and finished within 60 yards of Tommy Tremble despite missing five games with a high ankle sprain and later a broken ankle to end his season. All reports have him recovering well, and while calls are growing louder for a Jalen Coker breakout, there is still a serious lack of target competition behind 2025 Offensive Player of the Year Tetairoa McMillan. If Sanders can beat out Tremble and 2025 fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans as the team's primary pass-catcher at the position, there should be enough opportunity to make a modest fantasy impact. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE37, expectations are low, but if Sanders can take a step forward in year three, as used to be the norm before the recent tight end resurgence, he could be a low-cost add who offers usable depth moving forward.
May 7, 2026 5:26 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Looks Good After Ankle Surgery
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said he's optimistic about tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) and said that he looks good after he had ankle surgery, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Sanders has been running and cutting and looks good during his rehab. The 23-year-old had season-ending surgery in late December to fix a broken right fibula. Sanders has been recovering nicely, though, and he could be ready for organized team activities in May. In his second NFL season in 13 before his ankle injury, the former fourth-rounder out of the University of Texas in 2024 had 29 catches for 190 yards and only one touchdown on 34 targets over 13 games played (five starts). Sanders had 33 receptions (43 targets) for 342 yards and a score in 16 games in his rookie campaign in 2024. With Tommy Tremble set to be the team's top TE in 2026, Sanders can be ignored in most 12-team fantasy football leagues.
Apr 14, 2026 9:56 AM EST
Can Ja'Tavion Sanders Break Through in the Panthers' Offense?
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders has struggled to emerge as a relevant fantasy option through his first two seasons in the NFL. He showed some upside near the end of his rookie campaign in 2024, but he has yet to finish higher than TE36 in PPR leagues. It's not for a lack of talent, as Sanders was an early fourth-round pick and has flashed impressive receiving skills. However, Carolina's offense doesn't seem to prioritize getting the ball to its tight ends. In fact, we haven't really seen the Panthers have a legitimate fantasy threat at tight end since Greg Olsen in 2016. It's unlikely that will change next season, but there is hope. Head coach Dave Canales recently turned offensive play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, so perhaps that will lead to more tight end targets for Sanders. Still, we wouldn't bet on an immediate breakout for the 23-year-old. Rostering Sanders will require patience, and he's more of a hold than a buy or sell in dynasty leagues at the moment.
Apr 9, 2026 6:47 PM EST
Panthers Expect Ja'Tavion Sanders to be Ready for Offseason Program
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan suspects that tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) will be ready for the offseason program, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Morgan said the third-year tight end is looking good in his rehab. Sanders suffered a broken right fibula in the Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was placed on Injured Reserve shortly after that. The 22-year-old has made good progress in the offseason, though, so barring a setback, he should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Sanders had only 29 catches on 34 targets for 190 yards and one touchdown in his second year in the league for the Panthers. Going into next season, even if fully healthy, Sanders projects as a TE2, at best, in fantasy football. He'll face competition for targets at the TE position with Tommy Tremble, who caught 27 of his 37 targets for 249 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025.
Mar 20, 2026 10:35 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Coming Off Late-Season Injury
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (fibula) missed the end of 2025 after being placed on IR. He still appeared in 13 games throughout the course of the regular season, amassing 29 catches, 190 yards, and one touchdown. This was a significant step back from his rookie campaign in 2024, when he was the TE36 in PPR leagues with 33 catches, 342 yards, and a trip to the end zone. The Panthers simply haven't placed much emphasis on utilizing the tight end position in the passing game in recent years, so even though Sanders has been atop the depth chart, he hasn't carved out a significant receiving role. That's unlikely to change in 2026, so he's not a particularly intriguing target in redraft leagues. However, he's worth holding and stashing in dynasty leagues because he's still a young, talented player with long-term upside in a more appropriate scheme.
Feb 18, 2026 10:06 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Broke His Ankle, Will Require Surgery
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) suffered a broken ankle during Sunday's Week 17 loss against the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Dave Kanales. He will undergo surgery during the upcoming week. This injury will shut down Sanders for the final week of the regular season and presumably all of the playoffs, should Carolina qualify. He ends the year with just 29 catches for 190 yards and one touchdown through 13 games. It was a disappointing campaign for the tight end out of Texas, who showed promise as a rookie but evidently wasn't able to take a second-year leap in 2025. Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and James Mitchell will step up as the Panthers' top tight ends going forward.
Dec 28, 2025 5:08 PM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Ruled Out With Ankle Injury
The Carolina Panthers ruled out tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) from returning to Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. In an ugly scene, Sanders was engaged as a blocker when running back Rico Dowdle fell into the back of his leg. The Panthers quickly ruled Sanders out, leaving Tommy Tremble likely to see an increase in snaps. The second-year tight end from Texas was having a so-so year from a receiving perspective with 29 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown in 12 games as a secondary pass-catcher for quarterback Bryce Young.
Dec 28, 2025 1:48 PM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Is Not Worth Consideration for Week 17 Lineups
Ja'Tavion Sanders caught two passes for nine yards in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also scored his first touchdown since Week 10 of the 2024 season and finished the game with 8.9 PPR points. It was Sanders' highest fantasy total since Week 2, and he also logged the most snaps of all Carolina TEs (57%). The Panthers will take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. The Seahawks rank 29th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the TE position this season. Despite a great matchup, Sanders is not worth consideration for fantasy championship lineups. Sanders has totaled 5+ targets only twice this year, and he only has one receiving TD
Dec 27, 2025 2:26 PM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Finds the End Zone In Week 16
Ja'Tavion Sanders had a quiet fantasy day, but was a notable contributor in the Panthers' narrow 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers. The Carolina TE had two receptions for nine yards, but also caught his first touchdown pass since Week 10 of the 2024 season. Sanders played the most snaps of all Panthers TEs (57%) and totaled 8.9 PPR points, his highest fantasy total since Week 2. The Panthers will face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. Seattle ranked 18th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the TE position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 16. Although Sanders has a decent matchup against Seattle, he does not see enough volume to consider him in Week 17. Weeks 2 and 10 are the only two times this season that Sanders had 5+ targets in a game. Fantasy players should ignore Sanders and the other Carolina TEs for the fantasy football championship in Week 17.
Dec 22, 2025 12:30 PM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Is Not Worth A Roster Spot In Week 16
Ja'Tavion Sanders finished Week 15 against the Saints with two receptions for five yards. Sanders was mainly utilized as a blocker and played on 53% of the snaps. In 11 games played this season, Sanders has averaged 4.1 PPR Points Per Game. The Panthers will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. The Buccaneers rank 27th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the TE position this year. Despite a great matchup, Sanders is still not worthy of a roster spot during the fantasy playoffs. Sanders has totaled 5+ targets in a game only twice this season, and he has no receiving touchdowns.
Dec 20, 2025 11:45 AM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Should Remain off the Fantasy Radar for Week 15
Ja'Tavion Sanders did not see a single target in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, Sanders was mainly utilized as a blocker and played on 48% of the snaps. In 10 games played this year, Sanders has averaged 4.3 PPR Points Per Game. New Orleans ranks 12th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the TE position. Notably, Sanders had his second-best performance of the season against the Saints in Week 10, when he totaled 8.2 PPR points with five receptions on 32 receiving yards. Still, Sanders does not see enough consistent volume to warrant being rostered during the fantasy playoffs. Sanders has been targeted 5+ times in a game only twice this season, and he has no receiving touchdowns.
Dec 13, 2025 12:36 PM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders is Not on the Fantasy Radar in Week 13
Ja'Tavion Sanders was a complete afterthought in the Panthers' passing game in Week 12. The Carolina TE caught his only target, which resulted in six yards. For the first time since Week 8, Sanders played the most snaps of all Panthers TEs at 57%. In nine games played this year, Sanders has averaged 4.7 PPR Points Per Game. Week 13 brings a decent matchup for Sanders against the Los Angeles Rams, who rank 19th in the league in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to TEs. However, Sanders will not be able to take advantage of the draw. In 25 games played in two seasons in his NFL career, Sanders has caught one single TD pass, a prime stat that signifies why he is not on the fantasy radar for Week 13.
Nov 28, 2025 11:36 PM EST
Ja'Tavion Sanders Should Remain Unrostered In Week 12
Ja'Tavion Sanders logged another mediocre fantasy performance in Week 11. The Carolina TE had four receptions for 22 yards and totaled 6.2 PPR points. Week 12 brings a solid fantasy matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, who rank 25th in Fantasy Points Per Game Allowed to TEs this year. However, Sanders just doesn't produce enough to take advantage of the matchup. He should not be rostered in most fantasy leagues, even as a backup. In 24 games played over the first two seasons of his NFL career, Sanders has caught one TD pass. That sort of TD total just isn't acceptable for a fantasy TE.
Nov 22, 2025 7:26 PM EST
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