Panthers’ Sam Darnold getting MRI on shoulder ahead of Cardinals game

Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is getting an MRI on his shoulder, head coach Matt Rhule told reporters on Monday.

Rhule added the focus is on Darnold’s health and that if he can’t go, backup P.J. Walker would get the start when the Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.

It’s been a rocky 2021 for Darnold and the Panthers to say the least.

After watching his team get out to a 3-0 start to the season, Carolina has come crashing back down to reality, losing five of its last six games.

Darnold has completing 59.5% of his passes for 1,986 yards, seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He’s on pace to toss 20 picks to just 12 touchdowns and has been sacked 22 times.

The quarterback was also a factor in the team’s rushing attack early on, compiling five scores on the ground through the first four games, but hasn’t found pay dirt since in that regard.

The Cardinals have yet to face Darnold since he entered the league in 2018. They did, however, play against Darnold’s New York Jets squad in 2020 when the signal caller was out with a shoulder injury. In his place was Joe Flacco, who threw a touchdown in the lopsided loss.

As for Walker, the signal caller has played in three games in 2021, completing three of his 15 passes (20%) for 33 yards. He also added 12 yards on two carries.

The Panthers aren’t the only ones heading into the matchup banged up following last week’s games.

The news of Darnold’s MRI comes after it was reported Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds is feared to have suffered a high ankle sprain that could warrant a stint on the injured reserve.

Edmonds left Sunday’s action after the first play from scrimmage and did not return.

The Cardinals take on the Panthers on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Listen to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station throughout the week for extended Cardinals coverage.

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