5 Panthers position battles still undecided ahead of Steelers game

Carolina Panthers QB2

P.J. Walker’s production at the Indianapolis Colts looked to have the QB2 spot behind Sam Darnold locked up heading into the new season. However, the performance of Will Grier on Saturday night may have changed the narrative.

While Walker struggled to make a difference with the third string, Grier thrived with better players around him. The former third-round pick arguably looked better than he ever has on the field during his time with the Carolina Panthers so far, responding to the challenge after Matt Rhule wanted the signal-caller to get more throwing opportunities.

This is a fascinating situation and one that deserves some real attention. The Panthers are counting on Darnold to deliver the goods following his trade from the New York Jets, but they’ll need a contingency plan if the former first-rounder is forced to miss time at any stage.

With the starters set to play around a half against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Grier and Walker will get more limited time to make a difference on Friday evening. Their performance will be under the microscope before the likes of Rhule and Scott Fitterer come to a formal decision on their primary backup and whether the Panthers will take three quarterbacks onto their roster.

High stakes for both players. So who can keep a cool head in the face of some extreme pressure should emerge victorious from this particular position battle.