Carolina Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was carted off the field after landing on his head following a low tackle from Chiefs’ player Trent McDuffie.
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.
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.
Panthers coach Dave Canales had an optimistic update as halftime ended, saying that Sanders had movement in all extremities but added that he was still being assessed.
And it later emerged that he was being taken to hospital in Charlotte for further checks on a neck injury.
Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was carted off the field after landing on his head
The game had a lengthy delay as trainers rushed over to treat Sanders during the game
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.
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.
MORE TO FOLLOW
