It’s safe to say that we’ve officially hit “dumpster fire” level of dysfunction for the Carolina Panthers.
Following a 1-4 start to their season, the team announced Monday they were letting go of head coach Matt Rhule. But that wasn’t the only major news coming out of Carolina.
According to ESPN, quarterback Baker Mayfield will be out “a couple of weeks” after suffering a high ankle sprain during a 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.
“A little painful right now,” Mayfield said after the game. “I’m not real sure exactly what it is. We’ll examine that tomorrow and find out. So right now I’m managing the pain and learning to step in the boot.”
With backup quarterback Sam Darnold still out with an ankle injury of his own, the Panthers will now turn to PJ Walker for their matchup with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Walker has actually won his only two games as an NFL starting quarterback (one in 2020, and one in 2021). The QB has completed 73 of 128 attempts for 790 yards, but it’s his two touchdowns to go along with eight interceptions that may have Panthers fans worried that things can actually get worse.
“It happened pretty quick, but over the process of training camp and OTAs, I’ve always been preparing and always (been) ready,” Walker said before the season. “That’s the way you’ve got to approach it. Being in a backup role, you have to be ready no matter what. You never know when your number is going to be called.”
Despite Walker’s previous struggles, he said he thinks he has earned his spot on the Panthers roster.
“I think I’ve got great knowledge of his offense,” Walker said. “I think I’m doing a great with the offense, communicating and things like that. I honestly think so, yeah.”
It’s shaping up to be a year to forget for the Panthers regardless of who’s playing quarterback for the remainder of the season.
