Panthers injury report: Will Sam Darnold and Christian McCaffrey play vs. Patriots?
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Friday that he is “hopeful” both Sam Darnold and Christian McCaffrey will play Sunday after seeing them at practice this week.
Darnold continued to progress through concussion protocol Friday after participating in the team’s walk-through. While Rhule appeared optimistic about Darnold’s progress, he noted that Darnold’s shoulder injury is of equal concern.
Darnold suffered the concussion and the shoulder injury on the same play in the fourth quarter of the Panthers’ 19-13 win over the Falcons last week. Darnold attempted to rush for a touchdown when he was hit hard by Falcons linebacker Royesade Oluokun. Darnold immediately came out of the game and never returned.
Darnold was replaced by backup quarterback P.J. Walker, who could start Sunday if Darnold can’t go.
Concussion protocol is a five-phase process that players must go through in order to be cleared for play. The Panthers normally have a light padded practice on Saturdays. If Darnold does not experience concussion like symptoms, Saturday’s practice will be the final determining factor in whether Darnold can play.
Same with McCaffrey. McCaffrey has not played since Week 3 of the regular season after suffering a hamstring injury in a Thursday Night Football game.
Rhule said if McCaffrey were to play, it would be in a limited role.
“Signs are positive,” Rhule said. “I think anything is on the table.”
“They both have made progress throughout the course of the week. It’s just, ‘Are they in game shape?’ And obviously with Sam he could be up as the backup, too. Depending on the shoulder and not the concussion.”
Injury report
PANTHERS: QB Sam Darnold (shoulder/concussion) QUESTIONABLE, LG Pat Elflein (groin) QUESTIONABLE, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver (toe) QUESTIONABLE.
PATRIOTS: DT Christian Baramore (foot) QUESTIONABLE, LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (ribs) QUESTIONABLE, DT Carl Davis (hand) QUESTIONABLE, DB Cody Davis (hand) QUESTIONABLE, DB Kyle Dugger (neck) QUESTIONABLE, K Nick Folk (left knee) QUESTIONABLE, LB Dont’a Hightower (ankle) QUESTIONABLE, OL Shaq Mason (abdomen) QUESTIONABLE, LB Josh Uche (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE, LB Kyle Van Noy (groin) QUESTIONABLE, P Jake Bailey (right knee) QUESTIONABLE, WR N’Keal Harry (knee) QUESTIONABLE.
This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 1:33 PM.
