Training camp has begun for the Carolina Panthers, but one person who isn’t practicing is tight end Tommy Tremble. Tremble has been placed on the PUP list after back surgery in May. It is now possible that Tremble may miss the season opener as well.
However, according to general manager Dan Morgan, talking to ESPN’s David Newton, Morgan says Tremble’s timetable is “Still to be determined.”
Living up to his Extension
Tommy Tremble is entering his fifth year in the NFL with the Panthers. Tremble was a third-round pick in the 2021 draft out of Notre Dame.
At 6’4, 250 lbs, and with 4.6 speed, Tremble has prototypical size and speed for a starting tight end. His attributes and potential outweighed his college production, as he never had more than 20 receptions or over 300 yards receiving in both of his years at Notre Dame.
Tremble has not demonstrated great receiving prowess in the NFL either, but last season, he set career highs in receptions (23) and receiving yards (234) in 12 games, starting 11 of them. Tremble’s main strength as a football player is blocking. Blocking is something that he’s always taken great pride in. During his time at Notre Dame, then head coach Brian Kelly heaped praise on Tremble’s blocking abilities to South Bend Tribune writer Carter Karels in a 2020 article.
“Tommy Tremble should be spotlighted for the way he blocks and the ferocity in the way he does that,” Kelly said.
Tremble has continued to demonstrate his value on the field through blocking, as well. The blocking prowess of Tremble is likely the reason the Panthers inked him to a two-year, $10.5 million contract extension earlier this offseason.
Opportunity For Ja’Tavion Sanders
Tommy Tremble being out all training camp opens the door for tight ends, both currently on the roster and free agents, to claim the starting spot for the Panthers.
The person who will likely immediately step into Tremble’s spot is Ja’Tavion Sanders. Sanders, the fourth-round pick out of the University of Texas, is entering his second season after a decent rookie year. In his inaugural season, Sanders reeled in 33 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown as mostly a number two tight end. Sanders is taking his preparation even more seriously as he heads into this season.
According to a July 11 article by ESPN’s David Newton, Sanders has dropped 10 pounds to make himself faster, and he spent a week in California training with quarterback Bryce Young. In the article, head coach Dave Canales also took notice, praising Sanders’ work ethic.
“It makes me feel confident about him going into the summer, having a plan for his prep and looking for a big year out of him,” Canales said.
Noah Fant Option
Beyond Sanders, the Panthers may look outside the organization to recently released, former Seattle Seahawks tight end, Noah Fant. According to Newton’s article, the Panthers’ tight end group over the last five seasons has been the worst in the league.
“They’ve ranked last in the NFL in targets (383), receptions (241), receiving yards (2,329), receiving touchdowns (13), and receiving first downs (104).”
Fant, the six-year veteran, could add much-needed production in the receiving department for the Panthers. Fant last played for the Seahawks, having 48 receptions for 500 yards and one touchdown. The receiving yards and receptions Fant had last season would have led all Panthers tight ends.
Tommy Tremble’s injury might make it hard for him to gain the Panthers’ number one tight end spot. However, it may be just the door opening that someone else needs to step up and take the job.
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