After being listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury, Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold was activated against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Christian McCaffrey (running back), who was activated Saturday from injured reserve, is also active.
Darnold was also concussed last week against Atlanta Falcons, but he cleared the protocol on Saturday.
McCaffrey has been out of five games due to a hamstring injury. He is likely to be limited to between 30 and 40 snaps because of the pitch count. Rhule hopes to keep rookie Chuba hubbard, Royce Freeman, and Ameer Abdullah in the mix. Ameer Abdullah was a key player for the Panthers' rushing attack, which saw them rush 47 times for 203 yards at Atlanta last week. Freeman was however one of the inactives on Sunday.
Rhule stated to reporters that Darnold was a game-time decision against New England. He said Carolina should "prepare and expect all eventualities"
P.J. Walker performed the majority of the practice reps for the first-team offense this week. He would take over Darnold's place under center if Darnold is unable to play. 3 draft pick, is not able to play.
Walker took Darnold's place in the fourth quarter in Atlanta, but has only completed 3 of 15 passes this season.
After a quick start to the season with the Panthers Darnold has been struggling lately. Darnold has thrown four touchdowns and seven interceptions in Carolina's five past games.
This report was contributed by David Newton, ESPN.
