Even if Sam Darnold could save the Carolina Panthers (he still probably couldn’t), it won’t be happening anytime soon.
Late Monday morning, two reports—the first from CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones and a subsequent one from ESPN insider Adam Schefter—both noted that Darnold is still a ways off from a return. The fifth-year quarterback sustained a high-ankle sprain in the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, a setback that led to his placement on injured reserve to start the campaign.
Head coach Matt Rhule would later confirm that belief when talking to reporters this afternoon.
“Not close right now,” he said when asked of Darnold’s timetable. “Not this week. Maybe he starts his window maybe the next week. But just from the doctors, he’s not gonna be practicing this week.”
The curiosity surrounding Darnold’s possible return has arisen for two reasons. One, he is now eligible to be activated off IR after his four-week stint. And two, have you seen Baker Mayfield this season?
Through four games, Mayfield has steered the Panthers offense into oblivion—having completed just 54.7 percent of his passes (which would stand as a career-low) for 747 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. And, unfortunately, he’s not gotten any better of late, as evidenced by Sunday’s messy loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Sadly, Rhule and the Panthers will likely have to just ride this one out.
