The 2022 NFL season is following a common pattern for the Carolina Panthers.
They had five wins each year from 2019 to 2021.
Meanwhile, they have a 1-4 record through the first five games, leading them to fire Matt Rhule.
Rhule led the Panthers to an 11-27 record despite signing a seven-year, $62 million contract in 2020.
But that’s not where their troubles end because their starter for Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams is still uncertain.
Steve Wilks says Sam Darnold could be cleared to return to practice next week.
So unless Baker Mayfield is back, it'll be P.J. Walker and Jacob Eason vs. the Rams.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 12, 2022
Panthers insider Joe Person tweeted, “Steve Wilks says Sam Darnold could be cleared to return to practice next week. So unless Baker Mayfield is back, it’ll be P.J. Walker and Jacob Eason vs. the Rams.”
Wilks, the team’s former defensive pass coordinator and secondary coach, replaced Rhule as interim head coach.
Their current starter, Baker Mayfield, is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice yesterday.
Missing three consecutive practices will likely mean that he will not play in Week 6.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold isn’t back to full strength because of the ankle injury he suffered during their preseason game versus the Buffalo Bills.
Therefore, P.J. Walker has a great chance to have his first start in 2022.
Walker has five completions out of six attempts for 60 yards.
Mayfield’s absence also means that Carolina will elevate Jacob Eason from the practice squad to the active roster.
Other Injured Panthers Players
Jaycee Horn, Laviska Shenault Jr., Stantley Thomas-Oliver, and Christian McCaffrey did not participate during Wednesday’s practice due to various injuries and mandatory rest days.
Cornerback C.J. Henderson was a limited participant due to his knee injury.
Stephen Sullivan and Xavier Woods also had limited participation in their last practice.
Frankie Luvu and D.J. Moore were full participants despite their shoulder injuries.
The Panthers will go on the road to face the Rams this Sunday, October 16.
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