Undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King was riding on the crest of a wave after his starring performance during the Carolina Panthers' preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals. But things can change quickly in the NFL.
Joe Person of The Athletic confirmed that King sustained a hamstring injury at some point during the contest and is now considered week-to-week. Just when momentum was starting to turn in his favor, it was cruelly snatched away.
Some were calling for a genuine competition between King and free-agent signing Kenny Pickett for the QB2 job behind Bryce Young after just one preseason game. The Georgia Tech product's mobility, poise, accuracy, and ability to see the field clearly left a positive impression. His claims for a roster spot were strengthened, but his situation now becomes a real fight to get back quickly.
Haynes King's momentum takes bump afetr stunning Carolina Panthers debut
It's been the story of Carolina's offseason so far. Injuries have decimated the squad, and even though King is seen as a fringe development project, his athleticism is something the Panthers might be able to utilize in certain packages.
The hamstring isn't torn, so this could have been a lot worse.
King won't want to be on the sidelines for too long. The Panthers are reportedly bringing in 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask as another camp body, but his limitations are obvious. If the rookie signal-caller can get back in time to feature again in the preseason, it'll be another audition to showcase what he could potentially bring to the table.
Not exactly ideal, but the Panthers will roll with the punches as they have all summer.
Ikem Ekwonu, Tershawn Wharton, Taylor Moton, Nic Scourton, and Chris Brazzell II are all on the shelf with long-term issues. That's a lot of firepower to be without in an NFC South title defense, but general manager Dan Morgan has worked hard to enhance depth to cope effectively with any bad luck thrown at them.
While King wouldn't be classed as influential as other established pros currently out, it's still a blow. He was nothing short of outstanding in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game, looking like he belongs and proving why he was such a highly coveted target for the Panthers once the 2026 NFL Draft concluded.
This injury couldn't have come with worse timing, but it's all part of the business.
At least King has put out some exceptional pro tape to improve his chances. But the longer he's out, the more precarious his situation becomes.
Let's hope he's not out for too long. Because based on his NFL debut under the bright lights in Canton, King definitely has something.
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