According to sources, Carolina Panthers signal caller Sam Darnold has an incomplete fracture of his right shoulder blade. He is expected to miss the next several weeks. As reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network: After two days of testing, exams revealed that #Panthers QB Sam Darnold has a fractured scapula, sources say. The right shoulder injury will most likely lead to Darnold missing several weeks.
The organization believes that the injury occurred in the second quarter of the teams 24-6 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Darnold threw three picks, including one that was taken 88 yards to the end zone by cornerback J.C. Jackson, when Darnold did not connect with tight end Ian Thomas, who was open on the play.
“That wasn’t good enough from the quarterback position,” Rhule said Monday, per the Charlotte Observer. “We had guys open with some opportunities that we weren’t able to connect on. Too many batted balls that can’t happen at this level. And then obviously, three giveaways. I think when you look at our season, when we protect the football, we’ve had a chance to win.”
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said to the media on Monday that Darnold reported some discomfort in his throwing should after the game and was sent for an MRI.
Darnold, who was acquired from the New York Jets in April, has thrown 10 interceptions in the past six games, five of them have been loses. He is tied with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for the NFL lead in interceptions with 11 on the season.
Backup quarterback P.J. Walker will take Darnold’s place as the Panthers starting quarterback, starting with Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Panthers announced Tuesday that they intend to sign veteran quarterback Matt Barkley off the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, pending a physical.
In nine contest this year, Darnold has thrown for 1,986 passing yards, with seven touchdowns, while completing 59.5% of his pass attempts. He also has five rushing touchdowns.
The Panthers are 4-5 after starting the season 3-0.
