The Carolina Panthers had three signal callers on their team last year. It’s with almost absolute certainty that Sam Darnold will be starting Week 1 against the Jets, his former team. However, it is not written in stone that PJ Walker or Will Grier will make the Panthers opening day roster at that time.
After Friday’s training camp practice, Carolina’s coach Matt Rhule spoke to the media. He stated that at this point, he was uncertain if the organization would keep two or three quarterbacks this season. Walker and Grier have both looked comfortable in the offense this summer.
At the pro level, neither Walker nor Grier have had a lot of success. This means that the 2021 preseason will be paramount to decide who stay and who goes.
That is hard news for both players because the Panthers will be up against some tough defenses in the preseason. In Week 1 of the preseason, they play the Indianapolis Colts, who ranked No. 10 in points allowed per game last season. In Week 2, the Panthers face off with the Baltimore Ravens, who were second in the NFL in points allowed. Last, but not least, the Panthers end the preseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished third in this statistical category.
If neither Grier nor Walker show significant strides in August during the preseason, Carolina should ponder getting an experienced player to push and backup Sam Darnold.
