"That was painful to watch": NFL fans send prayers after Ja'Tavion Sanders' scary head injury vs Chiefs

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders suffered a head injury during the Week 12 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It happened in the first half as Sanders awkwardly clashed with the ground after a low tackle.

Once the clips of the chilling scene went viral on X, NFL fans flooded the portal with well-wishes for the rookie TE.

"That was painful to watch on the replay. We are praying that it isn't a serious injury," one fan wrote.

Meanwhile, a second fan commented, "Hate to see it happen. Prayers up for him."

Another fan responded, saying, "Heal up!!!"

The Carolina Panthers, who lost to the Chiefs 30-27, confirmed that their rookie TE is undergoing evaluation for a neck injury.

Panthers QB Bryce Young's pass turned painful for TE Ja'Tavion Sanders

Reportedly, when QB Bryce Young connected with Ja'Tavion Sanders on a short pass during a red-zone drive, the play took place. As Sanders tried to stop the clock by heading out of bounds, a defender from the KC Chiefs scored a low tackle. It was the force of the contact that flipped Sanders, and he landed headfirst.

Immediately, the medical staff rushed in and put him on a backboard before carting him off the field.

While being carted off, Sanders raised his arms to acknowledge the crowd. That said, no flag was thrown on the play.

Head coach Dave Canales told reporters:

"He's still under evaluation. But certainly a positive sign. He's coming back here to the facility right now [from hospital]."

Ja'Tavion Sanders, who played for the Texas Longhorns from 2021-2023 was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft (101st overall).

For the Carolina Panthers, the next game is on December 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While they ran the Chiefs close, the Panthers failed to bring it home, ultimately losing the game 30-27, handing the Chiefs their 10th win of the season.

As things stand, the Panthers will likely land a top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With just three wins on the board, they are bottom of the NFC South.