Sam Darnold likely to be out long-term for the Panthers
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is going to be out for several weeks, giving backup P.J. Walker a chance to take the job.
As it turns out, maybe Sam Darnold was hurt more than we initially we led to believe.
The Carolina Panthers lost 24-6 on Sunday afternoon to the New England Patriots, with Darnold throwing three interceptions. Before the game, he was questionable with a shoulder injury while still emerging from the concussion protocol.
After two days of testing, exams revealed that #Panthers QB Sam Darnold has a fractured scapula, sources say. The right shoulder injury will most likely lead to Darnold missing several weeks. PJ Walker, his backup, will step in.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2021
Now, two days after playing in the defeat, Darnold has been diagnosed with a broken scapula, putting him on the shelf for multiple weeks. While the former New York Jets’ first-round pick heals, P.J. Walker will get his chance to lead the team.
The Panthers will be without Sam Darnold for several weeks
Darnold and Carolina started out wonderfully in his first year with the Panthers. Carolina was 3-0 and Darnold had thrown three touchdowns against one interception while notching a pair of 300-yard games. Since then, the former USC star has thrown four touchdowns and 10 picks, while Carolina has posted an ugly 1-5 mark.
As for Walker, he starred in the short-lived XFL before coming to Carolina. At 26 years old, the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder has only thrown 71 passes in his NFL career, all coming with the Panthers over the past two campaigns.
While the Panthers have struggled over the last month and a half, they remain in the mix for a wild card berth. Carolina is a half-game out of the final NFC spot, trailing the Atlanta Falcons who they’ve already beat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.