Sanders flipped in the air and on landed the back of his head out of bounds – he was immediately in visible discomfort.
The fourth-round rookie rolled on the turf in pain and there was a lengthy delay as trainers raced to attend to him.
Sanders was rushed to the hospital but Panthers coach Dave Canales later revealed he had been discharged with movement in his limbs.
The 21-year-old appeared to be moving his arms as he was carted off the field on a backboard seconds before the halftime interval.
Canales had an optimistic update as halftime ended as well, saying that Sanders had movement in all extremities but added that he was still being assessed.
Panthers Ja'Tavion Sanders is being carted off after landing on his neck/head. Very scary incident.pic.twitter.com/FgZsdSmCU2
— IG: NFLPreme (@premefootball) November 24, 2024
The team posted a picture on X of him appearing to give a thumbs up to the crowd as he was driven off the field.
The Panthers were trailing to the Super Bowl winners 20-9 at the midway point in Charlotte in what was an encouraging display against Patrick Mahomes and his team.
Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders raises his arms to the crowd while being carted off after a scary injury. pic.twitter.com/QTcd68tlwK
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 24, 2024
Up to that point, Sanders had three reception for 49 yards for his team. Sanders entered the game with 26 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown.
The Panthers entered the game against the Chiefs at 3-8 for the season, while Travis Kelce and his team were 9-1 and bidding to return to winning ways after losing to Buffalo Bills last Sunday.
The Chiefs eventually won 30-27 thanks to a late field goal from Spencer Shrader.