Carolina Panthers tight end Mitchell Evans was carted off the field Tuesday during training camp practice with an ankle injury. Coach Dave Canales stated after practice that Evans was "rolled up on" and the initial diagnosis suggests the injury is not serious. "They [the medical staff] are pretty optimistic," Canales said, adding that a full evaluation would be conducted.

Evans, a second-year player and 2025 fifth-round pick, was pressed into duty as a rookie due to an injury to Ja'Tavion Sanders. He recorded 19 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns last season. He was expected to compete for playing time with Tommy Tremble and Sanders in an open tight end competition this year.

Evans' injury occurred midway through practice. The Panthers also recently lost second-year player Nic Scourton to a torn ACL during the first day of camp. Guard Damien Lewis is dealing with a calf injury, while guard Robert Hunt is recovering from a back issue and nearing a return. Starting offensive tackles Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu are also absent from camp and will miss the season opener, though both are expected back later in the season.