Panthers' Sam Darnold: Likely to be active, may not start
Darnold (shoulder) remains questionable and is viewed as a game-time call ahead of Sunday's game against the Patriots, but the Panthers are optimistic that he'll be available to serve as a backup even if he's not cleared to start, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Darnold was listed with a concussion and the right shoulder injury on the Panthers' initial Week 9 report, but the latter issue is his only concern at this juncture after he cleared the NFL's five-step protocol for head injuries Saturday. That said, Darnold never advanced beyond limited participation in practice this week, so the Panthers will want to see how his shoulder checks out in pregame warmups before a decision on his status is made leading up to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. The fact that Carolina didn't add a third quarterback to the roster for Week 9 seemingly backs up the notion that he'll at least be available as a backup, and Rapoport adds that the Panthers have hope that Darnold will be able to play the full game if he does in fact start. P.J. Walker took reps with the first-team offense in practice this week and would be ready for the starting assignment if the Panthers elect to play it safe with Darnold.
