WATCH: PJ Walker attempts field goal amid injury to Panthers kicker
The Panthers suffered a huge blow prior to their game against the Buffalo Bills, as kicker Zane Gonzalez went down with an injury in warmups. However, quarterback P.J. Walker is attempting to fill in at the position.
In a video shown on the FOX NFL Sunday pregame show, Walker’s attempt doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Oof. The Panthers may be looking to go for two on each touchdown they score against Buffalo, it seems. While Walker’s attempt to fill in for Gonzalez is admirable, it remains to be seen what Matt Rhule decides to do.
Outside of Walker, other players are also attempting to throw their names into the hat for the Panthers’ replacement kicker. Elsewhere in the video, wide receiver Brandon Zylstra was seen attempting an onside kick. It also went about how you would expect it to.
Carolina Panthers: Kicker Zane Gonzalez out against Bills
The news that shook Carolina dropped in warmups, when Zane Gonzalez left the field holding his leg. Originally reported by Panthers beat reporter Joe Person, their kicker left the field in bad shape during warmups.
“Zane Gonzalez is being helped off the field,” tweeted Person. “This is not good.”
Furthermore, Person added that Gonzalez looked to injure a part of your body pretty important to his position — his leg.
“Looked to be a leg injury,” revealed Person. “Went straight into the locker room with JJ Jansen and training staff.”
In an unforeseen turn of events, it remains to be seen who the Panthers will be forced to turn to. However, Person originally mentioned Walker as a possibility
“FWIW: P.J. Walker kicked in high school and the Panthers had his take some kicks at practice last season,” added Person.
Nothing like the quarterback-kicker combination. Matt Rhule has always been a huge fan of quarterback P.J. Walker, coaching him in college with the Temple Owls and giving him his second shot at the NFL. Now, he may give him a shot at a different position — one that Walker certainly never expected to play for real in a game.
The Panthers are clinging to their playoff chances for dear life. An already tough task against the Buffalo Bills laid ahead on Sunday. Now, another wrench is being thrown in their game-plans.