The Carolina Panthers are in dire need of a healthy quarterback.
They could get one as Sam Darnold is set to return from the high ankle sprain he suffered during their preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Likewise, Jacob Eason also remains an option after filling in for P.J. Walker in their Week 6 loss against the Los Angeles Rams.
However, the Panthers may also get Baker Mayfield back sooner than expected.
Baker Mayfield doesn’t look like he’s that far from returning, either. pic.twitter.com/D0pW1uLgfJ
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 19, 2022
Panthers insider Joe Person shared a video of Mayfield working his way to full recovery.
He was seen running through practice cones at the Panthers’ indoor practice facility.
Aside from the leg injury that sidelined him in Week 6, Mayfield also suffered a torn ligament in his left ankle.
His timetable for recovery was initially established at two to six weeks.
However, that video proved that he may return sooner than expected.
Carolina’s Quarterback Room Needs Improvement
It didn’t look good for Darnold when the Panthers traded for Mayfield during the 2022 offseason.
Unfortunately, Mayfield isn’t any better as he struggled to activate Carolina’s offense.
He has a completion rate of 54.9 percent and has an equal number of interceptions and touchdowns.
Sadly, he’s their best option at quarterback, and they need more talent at the position.
The Panthers can explore trading some of their key players to get assets in return.
They can use those picks to acquire another quarterback from the deep 2023 class.
Otherwise, they will not go far with their current crop of play-callers.
Matt Corral is worthy of consideration, but the Panthers will have to wait until next season to see him perform.
However, his presence should not prevent Carolina from getting one of the top quarterback prospects in 2023.
NEXT: Panthers Insider Reveals Sam Darnold Injury Update