North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE — Ja'Tavion Sanders has developed a ritual in his short NFL career. Ahead of the Panthers' opening preseason game against the Patriots, the rookie tight end wandered out early to the field, stopped on the 40-yard line, and took a moment to appreciate what it meant to be there.

"Just going on the 40, giving my praise to God, because without Him I wouldn't be here as well and He gave me the ability to play the game I love so dearly," Sanders shared.

He repeated this process during subsequent preseason games. Always heading to the field alone, always reflecting at the 40-yard line – a crucial part of his pregame routine that even he doesn't fully understand. "I don't know why I did it, but since I did that first game, I've been doing it," Sanders explained. "So I will make it a pregame ritual."

Sanders plans to continue this ritual as the Panthers open their 2024 regular season against divisional rivals, the New Orleans Saints. Despite being a rookie tight end facing significant anticipation for a season opener, Sanders is working to keep any nervousness at bay.

"I wouldn't say pressure at all," he stated. "At the end of the day, we just going out there playing football, something I've been doing since a little kid. I'm definitely excited."

While he may not feel pressured, more attention will undoubtedly be on Sanders with potential opportunities for significant playing time due to injuries within his unit. The status of Tommy Tremble (hamstring) and Ian Thomas (calf) remains uncertain as of Monday afternoon. Tremble indicated last week that he expects to play but has not participated in practice despite being present with a helmet. Thomas has not practiced in weeks.

"Still working on making sure we get good eyes on them," said Canales regarding Tremble and Thomas's availability. "Trying to stay away from timelines and all those things as we go into the week."

Even if they aren't available on Sunday, Sanders acknowledged their influence.

"Even though them guys have been hurt, they've been big brothers to me," Sanders said. "So I'm definitely grateful for the guys I have in my room."

If neither Thomas nor Tremble are available Sunday, only Sanders and veteran Jordan Matthews remain active for tight end duties. The Panthers also have Feleipe Franks – a converted quarterback – on their practice squad who could be elevated if needed.

Franks emphasized preparation amid uncertainty: "You can't fear the unknown... As long as you're in a routine and you do the same thing week in and week out... it's an easy transition."

The Panthers will practice three more times this week before traveling to New Orleans.

In other team news:

— Pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney missed Monday's practice due to illness but is expected back soon according to Canales: "He came in not feeling great... we'll get him healthy and he'll hopefully be back out there Wednesday."

— After three preseason games, Canales confirmed all coordinators would be on-field during regular-season games: offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, and special teams coordinator Tracy Smith.

"I think it's really important... we're able to collect information... troubleshoot things... players can feel the plan," Canales explained about having coordinators on-field.

— The Panthers utilized an additional practice squad spot by signing wide receiver Praise Olatoke under an International Player exception. Olatoke was born in Nigeria and grew up in Scotland before joining Ohio State's track team where he excelled as a sprinter.

Asked about Olatoke’s attributes Canales responded quickly: "speed." He added: "He's got a great frame... I'm excited to see him develop."