The Carolina Panthers will undergo some changes before Week 6 of the 2022 NFL season.
They fired Matt Rhule after compiling an 11-27 record.
The team’s ownership has had enough, considering they signed Rhule to a seven-year, $62 million contract in 2020.
Defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach Steve Wilks will take over as interim.
Aside from Rhule’s firing, quarterback Baker Mayfield will not see action indefinitely.
Panthers’ QB Baker Mayfield is expected to be sidelined “at least a couple weeks” with his sprained ankle, per source. But Mayfield also getting additional medical opinions to help make best determination.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 10, 2022
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, “Panthers’ QB Baker Mayfield is expected to be sidelined ‘at least a couple weeks’ with his sprained ankle, per source. But Mayfield also getting additional medical opinions to help make best determination.”
Mayfield twisted his ankle early in their Week 5 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
He was wearing a walking boot after the game, and P.J. Walker took over for him.
The Panthers suffered their fourth loss in five games after a disastrous 37-15 performance.
Mayfield finished the game with 20 completions out of 36 attempts for 215 yards.
He also threw a pick-six to Emmanuel Moseley.
Meanwhile, Walker completed five of six passes for 60 yards.
He will start for the Panthers in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Likewise, Carolina will elevate Jacob Eason from their practice squad as Walker’s backup.
Panthers quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Matt Corral are also dealing with injuries.
How Much Time Will Mayfield Miss?
It’s still uncertain how many weeks the former Oklahoma standout will miss.
Unfortunately, this injury adds to the list of his recent struggles.
Through five games, Mayfield completed only 54.9 percent of his passes for 962 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The Panthers hoped he could help elevate their offense after trading for him during the 2022 offseason.
In return, the Cleveland Browns received a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That selection will become a fourth-rounder if Mayfield plays 70 percent of the snaps.
NEXT: Matt Rhule's Nightmare Run In Carolina Is Finally Over