The Carolina Panthers got off to a 3-0 start as it looked like Sam Darnold was settling in to his new home.
The narratives began about how it really was Adam Gase holding him back in New York all along.
Then Christian McCaffrey went down with an injury and the wheels fell off.
His play reached rock bottom this past week as Darnold tossed three interceptions against the New England Patriots.
Fans are clamoring for change and the Panthers are now forced to make a move as Darnold is dealing with an injury.
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
P.J. Walker is now expected to get the start and the team just signed Matt Barkley as well.
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
Trying To Save The Season
Everyone in the organization has to be a bit anxious right now because the team is still 4-5 and in the thick of the NFC playoff race.
Darnold has appeared to be holding the team back and his three interceptions against New England gave the game away.
Two weeks prior to that, he only managed to throw for 112 yards in a loss to the New York Giants.
It is now Walker’s turn to see if he can get the team back into the win column.
One other possibility stands out as well.
That would be bringing Cam Newton home and giving him a chance to lead his former team back to the postseason.
There is a different offense in place under Matt Rhule, but Newton is a veteran and should be able to manage.
The Panthers desperately need to save their season and getting creative at quarterback should not be out of the question.
It has become clear that Darnold is not the future of the franchise.
Giving someone like Newton a chance would be a short-term fix as team tries to climb out of this quarterback mess.
NEXT: Panthers Decide To Add Veteran QB Help