Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold suffered 'significant' high ankle sprain, with IR move possible

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers expect to be without backup quarterback Sam Darnold for an extended period of time with what coach Matt Rhule described as a «significant» high ankle sprain suffered in Friday night's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills.

The typical recovery time is four to six weeks.

«It is a significant injury that could take some time,» Rhule said Saturday. «If it's at least a four-game injury, we can put him on the short-term injured reserve.»

Carolina might also have lost kicker Zane Gonzalez for the season with what Rhule described as a «significant, long-term» groin injury that he suffered while warming up on the sideline. General manager Scott Fitterer and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor already are looking for a replacement.

«We have to attack that,» Rhule said. «That's a major thing for us.»

Darnold underwent an MRI on Saturday and the team is seeking further opinions to determine the exact severity of the injury as it decides whether to place him on injured reserve. Darnold has to be on the 53-man roster that will be set Tuesday to be eligible for return from injured reserve.

The injury leaves the Panthers with two quarterbacks, starter Baker Mayfield and former XFL starter P.J. Walker, on the roster heading into the Sept. 11 opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Rhule said he is confident that Walker, who is 2-0 as a starter the past two seasons, can back up Mayfield while Darnold recovers. Rhule said offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan were «really pleased» with the way Walker played Friday after a rough outing the week before at New England.

Walker completed 8 of 10 passes for 50 yards and no turnovers after having two interceptions and a