The Carolina Panthers have listed seven inactives ahead of this afternoon’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
Those players are as follows:
- CB Shemar Bartholomew
- G Jarrett Kingston
- DL LaBryan Ray
- C Andrew Raym
- S Jammie Robinson
- TE Messiah Swinson
- TE Tommy Tremble
With Tremble down due to a hamstring injury and Ian Thomas now on injured reserve with a lingering calf issue, the Panthers are expected to start rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders in what will be his first official NFL game. The fourth-round pick earned rave reviews from head coach Dave Canales earlier this summer.
“So JT is taking those steps that we’re looking for,” Canales said of the 21y-year-old during training camp. “Made a big play at Fan Fest to end it, to end the scrimmage on a corner. Had a couple nice plays today, nice catches. He’s doin’ it. He’s making the most of his opportunity. It’s pushed him right up with that first group, to be able to show the guys you can count on him and he’s been really dependable with that.”
Sanders will be backed by veteran Jordan Matthews and Feleipe Franks, who was signed to the active roster on Saturday.
