Panthers journeyman ready to step up in make-or-break game vs. Buccaneers
James Mitchell has been waiting.
The 26-year-old tight end has played in just four games this season. But on Saturday, in the biggest game of the campaign, he’ll be a part of the Panthers’ plans on offense and special teams.
“We trust James a lot,” coach Dave Canales said on a call with reporters on Monday. “He has some versatility in the pass game and in the blocking game, whether it’s the run or protection, so we feel confident that James will be able to come in and allow us to build the plans like we’ve done.”
Mitchell will replace second-year tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (fibula) in the lineup, opposite veteran Tommy Tremble and rookie Mitchell Evans, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend.
Sanders needed season-ending surgery after fracturing his right ankle on the opening drive of Sunday’s loss to Seattle, according to Canales.
“First of all, I feel bad for JT — just cause I’ve seen how he works, he works hard, and we’ve helped each other out a lot,” Mitchell told The Charlotte Observer. “So, just sending out my prayers to him — just keeping him strong. But I’ve just been waiting for this time to play. I hate the cause of it, but I’ve been ready for my opportunity, and I’ve just tried to take it in — not make it bigger than it is, but also embracing the moment and embracing the opportunity.”
James Mitchell looking to shine in season finale
Mitchell earned his 53-man roster spot with a standout first summer in Charlotte.
However, because the Panthers invested in Tremble with a two-year, $10.5 million deal in March, and spent recent draft picks on Sanders and Evans, Mitchell got lost in the numbers-game shuffle on Sundays.
After being inactive for the first three games, Mitchell replaced Sanders during a three-game stretch — from Week 4 to Week 6 — when the 2024 fourth-round pick was nursing a previous ankle injury. During that period Mitchell averaged roughly 13 offensive snaps per game and caught all three of his targets for 28 yards.
Along with his receiving ability, Mitchell’s blocking upside was put on display in back-to-back wins over the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.
“That was one of the things that I analyzed in coming here,” Mitchell said. “Just the opportunities that the guys get, and not just to get the ball, but just play — the rotation.”
Mitchell has played in just one game since the Week 6 win over Dallas. He’s a pending restricted free agent in March, so every bit of tape matters before he hits the market.
After making just 30 appearances for the Detroit Lions over the previous three seasons, Mitchell understands the importance of this game for both him and the Panthers.
“I’m excited,” Mitchell said. “Whether that’s getting the ball, whether that’s blocking, pass pro — I’m just excited to go out there and play.”
If he does his job, and the Panthers beat the Buccaneers this weekend, Mitchell will get more opportunities to play and build his on-the-field resume.
A postseason trip will put extra eyes on the former Virginia Tech standout. And that spotlight could lead to a better role next season in Carolina or elsewhere.
“Just attacking it like it’s the opportunity that’s in front me,” Mitchell said. “Like I know what’s at stake — whether that’s here or for film, or whatever the case may be — so I’m just looking forward to putting my best foot forward, and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Rico Dowdle, Claudin Cherelus sidelined
The Panthers had two notable absences during their Tuesday walkthrough.
Running back Rico Dowdle (toe) and linebacker Claudin Cherelus (ankle/calf) were among the five players sidelined coming out of the loss to the Seahawks.
While Dowdle’s absence was particularly notable, Canales isn’t overly concerned with the 1,000-yard rusher’s status for Saturday.
“He’s got a sore toe,” Canales said Tuesday after the walkthrough. “He came out of the game — a little bit more sore than normal. We just decided to give him a rest day. I’m pretty confident that he’ll be ready to go, but we’ve just got to take it day by day and see what he can do tomorrow.”
Cherelus, who replaced starting inside linebacker Trevin Wallace (shoulder) over the past two weeks, was seen on the practice field with a walking boot situated over his left ankle.
Despite those optics, Canales is also hopeful to see Cherelus on the field against the Buccaneers.
“Same thing, day to day,” Canales said. “We’ve got to evaluate all of these guys. Coming out of the game with a little bit of a re-aggravation of his ankle, so we’ve got to just see if we can get him out there and get him working.”
While Cherelus and Dowdle were held out of the workout, the Panthers did welcome back defensive end Tershawn Wharton to the practice field. Wharton missed the past three games with a hamstring injury.
Tuesday injury report: Five held out of walkthrough
Below is Tuesday’s full injury report for the Panthers. Since the workout was a walkthrough, the injury statuses are participation estimations.
Did not participate: LB Claudin Cherelus (calf/ankle), RB Rico Dowdle (toe), CB Robert Rochell (concussion protocol), TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (fibula), LB Krys Barnes (back)
Full participation: G Rob Hunt (biceps/IR), WR David Moore (elbow/IR), DE Tershawn Wharton (hamstring)
Quick hits
- Canales noted after practice that former Clemson standout, Isaiah Simmons, is working primarily at safety in workouts. Simmons, who has played on special teams since joining the team four weeks ago, was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals as a linebacker. Simmons has been considered a “tweener” throughout his college and NFL careers, as he has the speed of a defensive back but the size of a linebacker.
- Prior to practice, the Panthers signed veteran tight end Ross Dwelley to their practice squad. Dwelley, 30, was released by the Detriot Lions earlier this month. He played in 11 games and caught two passes for 7 yards for the NFC North franchise before being cut. Dwelley, listed as 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, has played eight seasons in the NFL. He played six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Atlanta Falcons last year. He’s caught 47 passes for 530 yards and five touchdowns in his career. However, he is known mostly for his blocking. He can also play fullback.
- Cornerback Mike Jackson leads the NFL with 19 pass breakups through 16 games. He can set a new franchise record with two pass breakups against the Buccaneers on Saturday. Brett Maxie had 20 breakups in 1995 and Eric Davis had 20 in 1999.
- Safety Tre’von Moehrig has 12 tackles for loss this season. According to the Panthers, that total is the highest among all NFL defensive backs this year. Moehrig is tied for the second-most TFLs by a defensive back since 2000. Only fellow safety Tony Jefferson, then with the Arizona Cardinals, produced more TFLs with 13 in 2016.
This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 5:46 PM.
