C.J. Saunders - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Signs new contract with Panthers Carolina signed Saunders to a reserve/future contract Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Impact Saunders didn't appear in a single contest during the 2022 season, though he did play in two games with the Panthers back in 2021. The young wideout will now get a chance to continue his development with the team.

JANUARY 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers to attack with McCaffrey, not worry about injuries

The Carolina Panthers aren’t planning to change their approach with Christian McCaffrey, even though the star running back has missed 23 of the last 33 regular-season games due to...

AUGUST 10, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Out 3-4 weeks with quad strain Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that Saunders has been diagnosed with a quadriceps strain and will be sidelined for three to four weeks, Darin Gantt of the Panthers'...

Impact Given the return timetable, Saunders likely won't be available for any of the Panthers' preseason contests, which will make it extremely difficult for him to land a spot on the initial 53-man roster. The former Ohio State wideout was elevated to the Panthers' active roster for Weeks 16 and 18 last year, catching both of his targets for 11 yards.

AUGUST 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with leg strain Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Tuesday that Saunders is dealing with a lower leg strain, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact The extent and severity of the issue remains unclear, but any prolonged absence for the former Ohio State product will make it increasingly difficult to land a spot on the initial 53-man roster. Saunders was elevated to the Panthers' active roster for Weeks 16 and 18 last year, catching both of his targets for 11 yards.

AUGUST 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

C.J. Saunders keeps earning notice, making plays The second-year wideout knows he's been overlooked (a lot), but has earned the respect of his teammates on the field, because he's getting i...

AUGUST 3, 2022 • PANTHERS.COM

Sticking with Panthers Saunders signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on Monday.

Impact Saunders was elevated from the practice squad to the active for for Weeks 16 and 18, and he caught both his targets for 11 yards. It was the first action of his NFL career for the 25-year-old, who was initially a cornerback at Ohio State before transitioning to wide receiver.

JANUARY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Elevated for Week 18 Saunders was elevated from the Panthers' practice squad Saturday, Darin Gantt of the team's official website reports.

Impact The wide receiver last appeared in a game in Week 17, failing to draw a target on five offensive snaps. Saunders' role will likely be similar in Week 18 against the Buccaneers as he'll operate as an extreme depth option behind the likes of DJ Moore and Robby Anderson (questionable, quad), among others.

JANUARY 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Returned to practice squad Saunders reverted to the Panthers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Impact Saunders was elevated immediately prior to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers after Brandon Zylstra (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday. Saunders was on the field for five offensive snaps and did not record a statistic.

DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Bumped up from practice squad Saunders was elevated to the active roster Sunday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Saunders will potentially get his first taste of NFL action against the Buccaneers after Brandon Zylstra was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday. The Ohio State product signed with the Panthers in the offseason as an undrafted free agent after missing 2019 with an injury and being denied a sixth season of collegiate eligibility in 2020.

DECEMBER 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Done in Carolina The Panthers waived Saunders on Tuesday, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Coach Matt Rhule praised Saunders during the preseason, but the undrafted rookie wasn't able to secure a spot on the regular-season roster. Per Getzenberg, he could be a candidate to return to Carolina via the practice squad if he clears waivers.

AUGUST 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Joins Panthers Saunders signed a contract with the Panthers on Tuesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Impact A former walk-on cornerback, Saunders eventually earned a scholarship at Ohio State and caught 27 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Saunders missed 2019 due to injury and didn't play last season after being denied a sixth season of collegiate eligibility.

JUNE 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE