5 key observations from Panthers second preseason game at Patriots
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers QB P.J. Walker’s rough night
With Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold both sitting out the game, it was a chance for P.J. Walker to once again prove he is worthy of a roster spot. That might seem more unlikely now after a disappointing performance from the veteran quarterback at the New England Patriots.
If Walker built some momentum in preseason Week 1, that wasn’t the case this time around. The former XFL MVP candidate struggled against the Patriots’ first-team defense right out of the gate and things didn’t get much better as the contest went on.
Walker finished the game with a 53.33 completion percentage for 107 passing yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 36.7 passer rating. He was sacked four times for a loss of 25 yards.
The Carolina Panthers will be anxiously awaiting news surrounding rookie Matt Corral, who left Gillette Stadium in a walking boot and will get X-rays on Saturday to determine the extent of the complication. This could improve Walker’s status – as harsh as it may sound – but the staff will not want their development project missing a considerable period at such an important stage of his transition.
As for Walker, it could be a long road to the roster. But one cannot rule out the possibility of a practice squad position or being claimed off waivers by another organization.