Baker Mayfield will be out for week 6 and possibly more.
The panthers The starting quarterback suffered a sprained ankle on Sunday that could keep him out for several games, according to NFL Network. Backup PJ Walker expected to start next Sunday vs Rams.
The good news for Mayfield is that after getting a second opinion on Tuesday, it was confirmed that his ankle is not seriously damaged and will not require surgery, according to the NFL Network. He also won’t be placed on injured reserve, which would have kept him out for at least four games.
In addition to another starting quarterback this weekend in Los Angeles, Carolina will also have another head coach roaming the sidelines. Matt Rule was fired Monday morning after starting the franchise 1-4.
Mayfield’s hold on the starting job also looks weak after a rough preseason. Through five games, he posted career lows in completion percentage (54.9), touchdown percentage (2.6), passing yards per game (192.4) and yards per attempt (5.6).
The former No. 1 overall pick was injured in the final minutes of the Panthers’ 37-15 loss to the team 49ers, which saw Mayfield take four sacks and throw a pick-six. His absence could lead to changes at QB.
Walker, a former XFL standout, has started two games for the Panthers over the past two seasons, winning both. Sam Darnoldthe team’s primary starter in 2021, remains on injured reserve with an ankle injury but is eligible to come off the roster.
Carolina traded a conditional fifth-round pick in July Cleveland to acquire Mayfield.
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