NFL: Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold to miss at least four weeks

CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has announced that quarterback Sam Darnold will be sidelined for at least four weeks with a right shoulder injury.

Darnold, who was 4-5 behind center, suffered a partial fractured scapula and his name will be on the injured list.

PJ Walker will be the Panthers’ starting quarterback on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Walker has mostly played in the XFL. He is 1-0 as a starter in the NFL, but threw a touchdown pass against five interceptions in his brief career.

The Panthers also signed quarterback Matt Barkley, who was on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad. Barkley is expected to be Walker’s auxiliary on Sunday.

Darnold first injured his right shoulder during the eighth week of activity against the Atlanta Falcons. He had suffered a concussion on the same game. Darnold then faced the New England Patriots on Sunday, but worsened the shoulder injury.

Rhule said the second injury was sustained « in a different place » than the first.