It has not been a banner Monday for the Carolina Panthers.
Just hours after head coach Matt Rhule was fired, multiple reports stated that quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss “weeks” due to a high-ankle sprain.
The former Sooner suffered the injury during the first half of Sunday’s 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, dropping Carolina to 1-4. He eventually returned in the second half and finished the game, but arrived at the postgame press conference with a boot on his left leg.
Mayfield has struggled with the Panthers. In five games he has thrown four touchdowns to four interceptions. The former No. 1 pick of the Browns is also completing a career-low 54.9 percent of his passes. The Panthers have not gotten the production they hoped they were trading for before training camp.
Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield is pressured by the 49ers during a loss on Oct. 9, 2022. USA TODAY Sports
Baker Mayfield after the Panthers’ loss to the 49ers on Oct. 9, 2022. Getty ImagesTo make matters worse for Carolina, Sam Darnold is also injured with a high-ankle sprain of his own. P.J. Walker will likely start against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Walker has only seen limited NFL action, but won both of his starts for the Panthers in 2020 and 2021.
It is not known when Mayfield or Darnold will be ready to return.
