4 Carolina Panthers players skating on thin ice ahead of Week 9

P.J. Walker – Carolina Panthers QB

With quarterback Sam Darnold currently going through the NFL’s concussion protocol, there is a high likelihood backup P.J. Walker starts against the New England Patriots. The former Temple star won his only other opportunity like this in 2020 versus the Detroit Lions, but his production coming off the bench ever since has been less than impressive.

Coming onto the field cold and with little time to prepare is hard for any player. Especially a quarterback who’s probably resigned to a spot on the sidelines for the entire game.

Walker gets a full week of first-team reps before Week 9. His preparation methods should also alter considerably with an impending start on the immediate horizon.

This is perhaps one final audition for Walker to prove he’s worthy of a new deal next spring. The Carolina Panthers still don’t really know if Darnold is the long-term option, but the one-time XFL MVP candidate won’t want anything jeopardizing his chances of an extended stay – even if it is as a secondary option.

If he can cope with whatever the Patriots throw at him, make good decisions, and conjure things up when a play isn’t going according to plan, it will be a huge boost for Walker and the Panthers.

Walker has the physical skills and the arm strength is there. Just make good reads and everything else should fall into place.