Sam Darnold injury: Panthers QB carted off in preseason finale

The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback depth chart has taken a hit after Sam Darnold was carted off during the team’s preseason final vs. the Buffalo Bills.

The Carolina Panthers have already announced that Baker Mayfield would be the team’s Week 1 starter against his former team, the Cleveland Browns. The team already had the rookie Matt Corral out for the season due to an injury, and it unfortunately appears the depth in Carolina has taken another hit.

During the team’s preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, Sam Darnold had to be carted off the field due to an injury. When throwing a pass, Darnold was tackled by Bills defensive tackle C.J. Brewer. In the process, Brewer fell on Darnold’s left ankle, which bent in a very unsettling manner.

Panthers: Sam Darnold carted off due to injury

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Darnold is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain in an initial evaluation. However, he is going to undergo an MRI on Saturday, Aug. 27 to get a full assessment.

The Panthers brought in Darnold last year to be their starting quarterback. In his first season, Darnold completed 59.2-percent of his passes for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He did miss time after suffering a crack of the right shoulder scapula.

Darnold competed for the starting job alongside fellow draft classmate and former first-overall pick in Mayfield, who the team acquired from the Browns back on July 6 in exchange for a conditional 2024 draft pick. Mayfield was named the starter on Aug. 22.

Carolina’s depth behind Mayfield will consist of PJ Walker. This summer, Corral, the team’s third-round pick, was ruled out for the entirety of the 2022 season after suffering a Lisfranc injury.

If Darnold is to miss a long stretch of time, it will be worth monitoring if the Panthers bring in another quarterback for depth.