It hasn’t been a great week for Sam Darnold. On Monday, Carolina announced that Baker Mayfield would be the Panthers starting quarterback. They then trotted out an emotionally distraught Sam Darnold to the media to explain and addressed losing the starting quarterback competition. He handled it about as best one could hope if they were in that situation. Darnold was disappointed and emotional, but also stood tall in support of his team and was respectful of the team’s decision.
Wouldn’t watch this if you get queasy easily … but this is why Sam Darnold was carted off. Watch his left ankle. pic.twitter.com/FWiud7vVmu
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 27, 2022
Carolina displayed the quarterback hierarchy in their final preseason performance against the Buffalo Bills on Friday night. Baker Mayfield started and played the majority of the first half, leading the Panthers on two touchdown drives. Darnold replaced Mayfield late in the second quarter. Darnold looked to have been in strong control of the backup quarterback position as he started the second half and rushed for a touchdown. Darnold’s week got worse as he suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter. Reports suggest it is likely a high ankle sprain.
It wasn’t the best week for Darnold, but one wonders if the injury may have taken a little pressure off of him by removing him from the spotlight. At the very least, his injury may have benefited PJ Walker, battling for a roster position after rookie Matt Corral was put on season-ending injured reserve.
By Tony Dunn
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