Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales speaks to the media after the team's 30-27 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Scott Fowler
The Panthers don’t have a true No. 1 tight end.
That void of a top playmaker at the position has been viewed negatively by critics, but Carolina coach Dave Canales is making the most of what he has on the depth chart. The offensive play-caller is utilizing a trio of versatile players to weave in and out of the lineup and make plays in different ways.
Tommy Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders and rookie Mitchell Evans have been entrusted with forming a rotation that not only catches passes from Bryce Young, but also blocks for the 5-foot-10, 204-pound quarterback as well. The trio also has key responsibilities in the run game; Tremble, Sanders and Evans all played a part in Rico Dowdle’s historic October breakout.
Carolina Panthers TE Tommy Tremble runs the ball after a catch against Atlanta Falcons LB Kaden Elliss during Sunday’s fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Todd Kirkland Getty Images
“A really tightly knitted group,” Canales said Monday. “Tough — definitely detailed. (Tight ends coach) Pat McPherson does a great job with these guys — being prepared. Tight end is a very difficult position to play, as you know. Running routes, blocking in the run game, being part of the pass protection unit as well. So, there’s a lot of things we ask (of) them — they’re very smart guys, conscientious. They’re tough, versatile guys that we trust, so we try to get them all out there to have a chance to affect the game.”
As the Panthers (6-5) prepare for the final stretch of six games, Canales will need more from his tight ends in every facet of the offense. And with the way Young threw the ball against Atlanta in Week 11’s road win over the Falcons, the tight end trio should be seeing an uptick in action, both as passers and blockers.
Panthers tight ends: Whatever it takes to win
Like a locomotive heading down the tracks, Tremble surged down the field, running through defenders on his way to the Atlanta 15-yard line on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It was the signature play of his five-year career. And the 54-yard catch-and-run essentially locked up a season-series sweep of the Falcons on the rival’s turf.
The longest passing play of the season was a flash of how important Tremble and the tight end room can be when given the chance. Tremble took advantage of being the final read on a passing play, and he didn’t falter as he picked up a ton of extra yardage in crunch time.
“The mentality is to try to make a play whenever you get a chance,” Tremble said. “I tried my best to make a play, and then after that, I knew we were going to be in field-goal range — so secure the ball and don’t fumble.”
“It was pretty fun to do,” Tremble said. “I mean, I can run, man. I got like 4.5 (40-yard dash) speed in draft prep and all that stuff, so being able to make a play like that, it’s awesome. It’s a team game, and so I was able to contribute.”
Carolina Panthers TE Tommy Tremble runs the ball after a catch against Atlanta Falcons LB Kaden Elliss during Sunday’s fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Jonathan Bachman Getty Images
Contributions from the tight end room haven’t typically been as grandiose as Tremble’s streak into the red zone against Atlanta, but the unit has become an important piece of the offensive playbook.
Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik have frequently linked a running back with two or three tight ends in their formations. Those personnel groupings — known as 12 and 13 personnel, respectively — have paid off for Dowdle, who has picked up 750 rushing yards since getting his first start of the season against the Miami Dolphins in a Week 5 win.
Tremble and Evans, in particular, have carried the lion’s share of the blocking responsibilities in the run game. They’ve been used in motion, and within a variety of blocking schemes, which have freed up offensive linemen and running backs to get down the field in a hurry.
Carolina Panthers TE Mitchell Evans reacts after a first down reception during the first quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 12, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium. Jared C. Tilton Getty Images
“When you get in those heavier sets, people are probably gonna think run,” Evans said. “And I think the way it’s been staying true to that, like I think we’re like 85% run in 13 (personnel) — which is fine, that’s kind of what that’s for. But we embrace that dirty work as a group. We love that. Honestly, our mentality is whatever we can (do) to help the team win.”
Sanders, who is known for his receiving ability, has also factored into the blocking scheme. He’s been able to mix it up in the trenches, which has benefited the passing game by selling different looks to the defense.
“They’re really an unselfish crew, and they’re always happy when the other ones are successful,” McPherson said. “And they’re also very, very aware of how we need to win games and things like that, so they’re totally cool with doing whatever is necessary. And what just happens lately is — in the last couple of games before this one — they were doing a ton of blocking and stuff, the play (action) passes and the quarterback keeps (runs), everything like that, it all fits with the run game. So, for them to sell the run, and then get out into a pass route, it really is one of the cool things we get to do.”
Toughness meets talent
McPherson, who previously won Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, is in charge of guiding Tremble, the veteran of the room, and developing Sanders and Evans.
He knows what all three tight ends are capable of. More importantly, he knows what they’ve all been through to get here.
Tremble — who re-signed with the Panthers on a two-year, $10.5 million deal in March — spent most of the summer on the sideline after undergoing offseason back surgery. But after missing the entirety of training camp, Tremble has yet to miss a regular-season game, and he’s on pace to set new single-season career highs for receptions and receiving yards.
“Shoot, I don’t wanna tackle the guy,” McPherson said. “I mean, he’s a hard dude to tackle, to get down. He’s big and fast and tough, and he runs with anger. I think that’s one of his superpowers. … He has a switch. He’s a really great, mild-mannered dude off the field, and then he gets on the football field, and he wants to tear people up.”
Sanders has dealt with an ankle injury since Week 3. While he avoided injured reserve, Sanders was sidelined for three games, and he is still trying to make his way back to his 2024 form. Last year, he set a franchise rookie tight end record with 342 receiving yards.
Carolina Panthers JaiTavion Sanders, top, leaps over Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sunday, September 21, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
McPherson has been impressed by Sanders’ team-first mentality and leadership in his second season. He also sees a light at the end of the tunnel for Sanders’ injury woes.
“JT just loves to win, and he just loves the guys in the room,” McPherson said. “He loves his teammates. So, if you watch that game the other day (against Atlanta), he is celebrating everybody after their big plays, which is really a neat deal, and that’s a leadership quality, just pushing others forward. … I think over the last few weeks, he’s getting past the ankle (injury) — starting to get his overall quickness and health back. I would imagine pretty quick here, he’s gonna start getting after it pretty good.”
Evans, a fifth-round pick, is the youngster of the trio. Despite his relative inexperience, the Panthers have counted on him to be a regular two-way cog for the offense.
“For a rookie, Mitch has gotten to do a lot of stuff and really contributed for us,” McPherson said. “Not only catching the ball, but blocking, pass protecting, and he’s really improved.”
Josh Lavallee Getty Images
The Notre Dame alum has also impressed his bosses with his toughness.
“What people forget about Mitch, is that Mitch was a high school quarterback,” McPherson said. “They also forget that two years ago, he had an ACL that he was battling to come back from and did a great job at Notre Dame, coming back from that for his senior year. But he’s dealing with some different things healthwise, fighting through them, and battling, and it’s pretty cool. He’s surpassed — if there’s a toughness meter out there — he’s definitely surpassed expectations that I think people had for him going into the season.”
An opportunity awaits
The Panthers are in the beginning stages of their prep for San Francisco this week.
Over the past five games, the 49ers have given up 34 catches for 353 yards and four touchdowns to the tight end position. That could be a trend for Canales and company to focus on in the Bay Area on Monday night.
“I think when you look at the things that we’ve done in the run game, that’ll only open us up in the pass game,” Sanders said. “I think the last game (against Atlanta) kind of showed that.”
Carolina Panthers TE Ja’Tavion Sanders is tackled by Atlanta Falcons DB Billy Bowman Jr. during Sunday’s second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Todd Kirkland Getty Images
The Panthers’ tight end trio has combined for 54 catches for 472 yards and three touchdowns through 11 games. While they can’t get to the Pro Bowl as a group, that production is on par with several No. 1 tight ends.
For Young, they are safety nets as both weapons and protection. Against the 49ers, they could also be real difference-makers.
“They say tight ends (are) supposed to be a quarterback’s best friend,” Sanders said. “And it just comes down to making (the most of) those opportunities when they present themselves.”