Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is still trying to find his spot in the NFL.
However, he is now on his second team and lost his starting role to fellow 2018 draftee Baker Mayfield.
But he might get a shot at being the Panthers’ starting quarterback now that he is set to return.
Sam Darnold and Bravvion Roy both designated to return from IR.
A good development considering the injuries the Panthers have had at the quarterback position.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 19, 2022
Panthers insider Joe Person tweeted, “Sam Darnold and Bravvion Roy both designated to return from IR. A good development considering the injuries the Panthers have had at the quarterback position.”
The Panthers already lost Matt Corral to a season-ending Lisfranc injury.
Meanwhile, Mayfield has a torn ligament in his left ankle, forcing him to be out of action indefinitely.
With those play-callers sidelined, Darnold can compete with P.J. Walker for the starting role under interim head coach Steve Wilks.
Darnold may have the upper hand, considering Walker only had 60 passing yards in their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
A Quarterback Competition For The Panthers
Wilks mentioned that Mayfield will have to compete for the starting role once he returns.
Therefore, Darnold will have an opportunity to regain his job back, especially if he does well during the weeks without Mayfield.
That’s a nice comeback from a high ankle sprain he suffered during their preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
The injury placed him on injured reserve, given the recovery timetable of four to six weeks.
Darnold was traded to the Panthers last season in exchange for a 2021 sixth-round selection and 2022 second and fourth-round picks.
He has 10,624 passing yards and 54 touchdowns through 2021.
Darnold can add to his career numbers if he will be named the starter in Week 7 when the Panthers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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