NFL Rumors: Two Panthers QB's Have Chance To Play Next Week

Carolina Panthers' quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold will both reportedly have a real chance to return next Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons baring any unforeseen setbacks, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Baker Mayfield, who the Panthers received from the Cleveland Browns for a 2024 conditional draft pick this past offseason, sustained a Grade three ankle sprain in Week 5 play and has been sidelined ever since. He will now have a chance to return to the starting position in Week 8.

Sam Darnold went down during a preseason exhibition in early September and recently came off IR designation this past week. He will also have a chance to play next week.

The quarterback locker room is currently up in the air in Carolina as neither P.J. Walker or Mayfield have shown much upward progress. The Panthers rank dead last in the NFC South at 1-5 and are looking for a signal-caller to help reverse their lack of play as of late.

Head coach Steve Wilks also declared a quarterback controversy publicly when he said that Mayfield will have to earn his starting position back when healthy.

However, with the recent trading of wide receiver Robbie Anderson to Arizona and star running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers, it appears that the Carolina club is in full rebuild mode and eyeing the upcoming draft to change their winning fortunes for the future.