Carolina Panthers starting quarterback Sam Darnold is likely to miss several weeks with a fractured scapula in his right shoulder. The Panthers are expected to start backup quarterback and former XFL starter P.J. Walker in the Panthers’ Week 10 matchup against the 8-1 Arizona Cardinals. Carolina also signed veteran quarterback Matt Barkley who will likely serve as the team’s backup with Darnold out. The Panthers have had a rough stretch of games and currently hold a 4-5 record after starting the season 3-0.
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
The #Panthers are expected to sign QB Matt Barkley, as @josephperson said. With Sam Darnold dealing with a shoulder injury, Barkley is headed to Carolina.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 9, 2021
The Panthers quickly fell from NFC playoff favorites to the middle of the road at best. Sam Darnold has looked rough in the team’s four losses. The starting quarterback looked terrible in the team’s Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots. He completed just 16 of his 3 passes for 172 yards and three interceptions. It looked like he was once again seeing ghosts against his former division rival.
The #Patriots get the better of Sam Darnold once again pic.twitter.com/QL7OtU5PuE
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 7, 2021
On the season for the Panthers, Darnold has 182 completions for 1,986 yards, seven touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also has 37 carries for 185 yards, five touchdowns, and one lost fumble. The incomplete fracture will likely keep him out for a few weeks. We here at Def Pen Sports hope to see him healthy and back on the field as soon as possible.
