More Key Injuries Affecting the Panthers Heading into Week Four
The Panthers are coming off a significant win in Week Three. Beating their division rival, the Atlanta Falcons, at home, holding them to zero as a bonus, was massive for the team. The Panthers pulled through even with missing Pro Bowl guard Robert Hunt and starting center Austin Corbett. Unfortunately, the injuries continue to mount as the Panthers gather momentum.
The first of these significant injuries is starting tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. Sanders suffered a high ankle sprain in Week Three. The typical timeline for a high ankle sprain is four to six weeks. Sanders will potentially miss multiple weeks, a likely scenario. The former Texas standout has become the de facto TE1 so far this season. His presence will be missed, both as a receiving threat and a blocker. The Panthers feature a prominent passing attack, utilizing all positions on the field. Sander has 14 targets with 11 catches for 74 yards on the season. Behind him, TE2 Tommy Tremble will take over starting duties for the time being. Tremble is used more for blocking, but he has caught all six of his targets this season. Mitchell Evans should see more snaps as the backup. The rookie tight end will get a chance to showcase more of his strengths and potentially play himself into a more prominent position.
Xavier Legette will miss another week with a hamstring injury. Legette missed last week as well, and this should be a concern. Legette has struggled so far this season and has looked very rough at times. The extra time off may help him get back in the game, but he still looks raw. The former first-round pick will need more playing time with Bryce Young to continue to build chemistry. Legette also requires more time to develop his receiving skills. Legette lacks some essential skills for the receiver position, primarily route running and catching. To a lesser degree, but with some merit, is the question tags directed to Tetairoa McMillan and Chuba Hubbard. Both players are cleared for the game, but it remains to be seen if these potential injuries will impact their performance on the field.
DJ Wonnum will miss week four with a hip injury. Wonnum has been a staple on the defense, playing on 72% of defensive snaps. Patrick Jones has also been ruled out for Week Four. Jones has had a lesser role on the defensive side but has still seen plenty of action this season. Both of these linebackers will be missed, but this gives way for the rookies to take over. Second-round pick Nic Scourton and third-round pick Princely Umanmielen will both be key pieces to fill in for the absences. The rookies have shown some major flashes, and it will be exciting to see them play as potential starters.
