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Carolina Panthers Quarterback Sam Darnold Out Several Weeks with Shoulder Blade Injury
Introduction
On Tuesday, November 9th, 2021 the Carolina Panthers confirmed that their veteran starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, has suffered an incomplete fracture of his right shoulder blade. Darnold will most likely be required to sit out the upcoming several weeks of the 2021 – 2022 NFL season with this somewhat severe injury to Sam’s right shoulder blade.
The Carolina Panthers are under the impression that this injury occurred during the 2nd quarter of the Carolina Panthers 24 to 6 losing effort to the New England Patriots last Sunday, November 7th, 2021. Throughout this poorly executed football game by the Carolina Panthers, Sam threw a total of 3 devastating interceptions in the loss against the New England Patriots. One of those picks thrown by Darnold included an 88 – yard return for a touchdown by J. C. Jackson, after Sam missed badly on his pass targeting the Carolina Panthers’ tight end, Ian Thomas, who was wide open on the play.
On Monday, November 8th, 2021 the Carolina Panthers’ head coach, Matt Rhule, explained to the sports media world that Sam had been reporting soreness in his right shoulder following the game versus the New England Patriots, and the Carolina Panthers’ 24 – year – old starting quarterback underwent an MRI which revealed an incomplete fracture of his right shoulder blade.
Too Many Interceptions for Sam Darnold this Season
Sam had previously been acquired by the Carolina Panthers via an offseason trade agreement with the New York Jets. Darnold has tossed 10 - interceptions over the course of the Carolina Panthers’ last 6 – games in which the Carolina Panthers have lost 5 of those past 6 – games. Darnold is now tied with Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals for the current interceptions lead in the National Football League with 11 picks so far during this 2021 – 2022 NFL season.
Replacing Sam Darnold at the Quarterback Position
The Carolina Panthers’ back – up quarterback, P. J. Walker, will replace Sam as the team's new starting quarterback beginning on Sunday, November 14th’s game versus the Arizona Cardinals. The Carolina Panthers have also announced that they are planning to sign the long - time veteran quarterback Matt Barkley from the Tennessee Titans' practice squad assuming that Barkley passes a mandatory physical examination.
In 9 - games this year, Sam has passed for 1,986 – yards as well as 7 - touchdowns while completing 59.5% of his passing attempts at the moment. Darnold has recorded 5 - rushing touchdowns as well this season. The Carolina Panthers are presently sitting in last place (4th place) of the NFC South with an overall record of 4 wins and 5 losses following an amazing 3 and 0 start to this exciting and unpredictable 2021 – 2022 NFL season.
Sam Darnold’s Football Career Achievements, Honors, & Awards
- Darnold was the 3rd Overall Draft Selection in the First – Round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
- First - Team All - Pac - 12 in 2017
- Archie Griffin Award in 2016
- Pac - 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2016
Sources:
“Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold has incomplete fracture of shoulder blade”, espn.com, November 9, 2021.
“Sam Darnold”, pro-football-reference.com, November 9, 2021.