Miles

Sanders

Sanders made his return to the Carolina lineup after an extended absence due to an ankle injury and made the most of the opportunity as the team’s lead back with Chuba Hubbard sidelined. Sanders, who scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime, had a 33-yard reception in the first half and later caught a short touchdown from Bryce Young — one of Young’s three throwing scores on the day. Sanders started 2024 in a competition for touches with Hubbard but was quickly relegated to breather back status before suffering the ankle injury. He had 200 rushing yards over 11 games while catching 24 passes. Sanders, 27, is signed with the Panthers through the 2026 season. Hubbard should retake his spot atop the Carolina backfield depth chart next year.

Sanders makes his return to an active roster now without both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks, likely leaving him in line to serve as the lead back in the team’s final game of the regular season against the Falcons. His ultimate workload likely depends on his level of health after working his way back from an ankle injury that forced a trip to injured reserve, but the Panthers should have every reason to continue with full effort as they work through the future of their franchise.

Sanders was listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice and logged two full practices on the week in total. The veteran running back seems likely to return for the Panthers’ season finale, but how much usage he sees is anybody’s guess. Sanders still has two years left on a four-year deal he signed in 2023, but is likely to be cut this upcoming offseason. If he’s active it’s possible the Panthers give him a decent workload so he can show what he may have to offer other teams heading into 2025.

Sanders was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday. After being listed as a full participant on Wednesday, Sanders was a limited participant on Thursday, which may create some cause for concern. Whether Thursday’s limited practice is due to load management or a setback is anybody’s guess at this time. We’ll have a better sense of his Week 18 availability when the Panthers’ final injury report is released on Friday.

Head coach Dave Canales said earlier in the week that the team is looking forward to having Sanders back this week, hinting at a return for the veteran running back. Sanders hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 10, but had totaled just 38 carries for 139 yards and a touchdown in his first 10 games. Assuming he’s activated from injured reserve, Sanders could stumble into a season-high in touches in Week 18 after Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone provided little to no upside in the running game last week.

He called Sanders’ ankle injury “week to week,” which is a degree stronger than Ian Rapoport’s assertion that Sanders would be considered “day to day” last week as the Panthers headed into their bye week. Sanders has a 38/139/1 line on the season as the main Chuba Hubbard backup. Jonathon Brooks will take over that role this week. Sanders can be dropped in any leagues he was still being held in.

Sanders was carted off in Week 10 against the Giants, but his ankle injury doesn’t appear to be of the season-ending variety. Rapoport said the team believes Sanders, the team’s No. 2 back behind Chuba Hubbard, could “miss a little time.” Look for Jonathon Brooks to take on RB2 duties in Week 11 with Sanders out, while Hubbard remains the lead back in the run-first Carolina offense.

Sanders went down with a left ankle injury in the second quarter and appeared to be in significant pain. After spending a lengthy period with trainers, Sanders limped onto the cart and left the game. He was listed as doubtful to return and is obviously done for the day. With Jonathon Brooks out, Raheem Blackshear will take over RB2 duties for the rest of the game.

Not the “double” you want, especially in a victory. It comes as second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) seems likely to finally make his NFL debut in Week 10 against the Giants. Sanders has zero value in any format of fantasy.

Sanders was a relatively effective safety valve for Bryce Young, but nothing more. Carolina was only able to run for 69 yards in the defeat, and Sanders has not had double-digit touches since Week 2. If he’s still a Panther after the deadline, Sanders will take on the Saints in Week 9.