Sam Darnold injury update: Where is he now?

There were reports that Sam Darnold would miss at least the opening month of the season due to a high-ankle sprain. At the time, general manager Scott Fitterer told the media that he anticipated Darnold would be out for four to six weeks when he got injured in August. Fitterer told the media that Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker would serve as the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterbacks in his absence.

Darnold is expected to return from injured reserve and practice this week. However, interim head coach Steve Wilks is doubtful that Darnold will be able to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 23. It seems he won't be rushed back into action before he is ready, but it's too early to say for sure. Much depends on the fitness of the other Panthers quarterbacks, as there is something of an injury crisis in Carolina.

Current state of play in the Carolina Panthers quarterback room

Carolina Panthers v Washington Commanders

In the last preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, defensive lineman C.J. Brewer fell on Sam Darnold, spraining his ankle. Darnold's injury was the second severe preseason setback for a Carolina quarterback. Matt Corral sustained a lisfranc injury to his left foot that has ruled him out for the season.

Since sustaining a high ankle sprain just before the season began, Darnold has been on injured reserve. Due to injuries to Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker, Darnold could be given the starting position once he is cleared to play. The injuries the quarterbacks have left Jason Eason as the Panthers' last healthy quarterback.

Steve Wilks is the interim head coach for Carolina. Matt Rhule was fired after going 1-4 this campaign and 11-27 across multiple seasons. The Panthers appear to be entering a rebuild, with multiple players available via trade. As a result, every Carolina quarterback is playing for their NFL future now, so there is very little room for error.

Like Mayfield and Walker, Darnold is in the final year of his contract. Judging by the starting lineup during the preseason, it is reasonable to anticipate that Darnold will return as Mayfield's backup. This, however, depends on the fitness of both quarterbacks.

Sam Darnold's NFL timeline

Sam Darnold - New York Jets v Buffalo Bills

Sam Darnold entered the NFL third overall when he was selected by the New York Jets in the 2018 draft. He was the Jets' regular starter for three seasons, going 13–25, until being traded to Carolina in April 2021.

Darnold has had an underwhelming career thus far and his NFL future is in jeopardy. The most recent injury was another setback for him. The 25-year-old only featured in 12 matches during the 2021 season and has never featured in more than 13 matches in a campaign.

Darnold is 17-32 and has thrown for 10,624 yards, 54 touchdowns and 52 interceptions in his career. He simply has to take any chance he gets this season, otherwise his future seems bleak.