Carolina Panthers announce Sam Darnold as Week 12 starter

The starting quarterback role for the Carolina Panthers has been a whirlwind so far this season, especially since Matt Rhule was let go. P.J. Walker and Baker Mayfield have gotten their chances in the past few weeks. Now, Sam Darnold will have his opportunity on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Carolina announced Darnold would start their Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Walker is still dealing with an ankle injury suffered, while Darnold will be getting the nod ahead of a healthy Mayfield.

It’s another change for interim head coach Steve Wilks, who is currently sitting at 2-4 since taking over for Rhule.

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“The #Panthers announce that QB Sam Darnold will start on Sunday,” Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network said via Twitter. “His chance to make an impression for next season.”

Darnold has yet to play in a game this season, dealing with an injury. He was brought over in a trade from the New York Jets — one Rhule was reportedly pushing for in the offseason leading into 2021. An ankle injury was why Darnold was put on the IR to begin the season but now, he’s healthy and ready to go.

Carolina does not currently know what the future of the quarterback position looks like. Both Darnold and Mayfield, who were top three picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, will see their rookie contracts expire at the end of the regular season. Currently in line to get a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Panthers could go there for a quarterback as well.

Nonetheless, Darnold will have the opportunity to impress for next season, as Rapoport mentioned. He last got action in Week 17 of the 2021 season in a blowout loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.