The Carolina Panthers roster isn't one of the deeper ones in the NFL today, so in their pre-season finale, they couldn't have dreamt of anything worse than losing three players to injury, including their backup QB and starting defensive tackle. Unfortunately, the worst came true, and Sam Darnold firstly was carted off with what is expected to be revealed as a high-ankle sprain when he takes an MRI tomorrow. Baker Mayfield has already been named the starter, but Darnold was expected to be a very good backup, but now the team is down to PJ Walker as the only other healthy QB, as rookie Matt Corral was ruled out for the season just days ago.
Then there is 2020 first round pick and physically impressive Derrick Brown, who was expected to be a huge contributor to this defensive unit at the defensive tackle position, who was ruled out in the first half with an oblique injury. It's not clear when this injury occurred, and Matt Rhule couldn't offer an official update but did say Brown could have returned if necessary, but held him out in order to make sure he misses no regular season game time.
Lastly was kicker Zane Gonzalez, who went to the ground clutching his leg after attempting a practice kick on the sideline, and there's been no update at all on his condition, although it's not expected to be overly serious. So for Panthers fans, hopefully none of these injuries mean any of these three players miss serious game time when the regular season rolls around, as they'll need all hands on deck if they're to make any noise in a division with the Buccaneers and Saints in 2022.
Photo Credit: Griffin Zetterberg-USA TODAY Sports
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