Panthers’ Darnold, Gonzalez carted off with injuries

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers backup quarterback Sam Darnold and kicker Zane Gonzalez had been each carted off the sector within the third quarter of Carolina’s preseason recreation Friday night time in opposition to the Buffalo Payments.

Darnold’s left ankle twisted awkwardly after Payments defensive deal with C.J. Brewer landed on him because the quarterback was releasing the ball.

A number of Panthers gamers ran over to Darnold as he was helped onto the cart. Payments quarterback Josh Allen, a very good good friend of Darnold’s, additionally ran onto the sector to supply encouragement.

Darnold is not going to return to the sport.

Darnold was 5 of 11 for 49 yards and ran for a 1-yard landing to present Carolina a 21-0 lead.

Earlier within the week, Panthers coach Matt Rhule introduced Baker Mayfield because the starter over Darnold, who was 4-7 final season as Carolina’s starter.

That is the second straight week the Panthers have misplaced a quarterback to an harm in a preseason recreation.

Final week rookie Matt Corral, the workforce’s third-round draft choose, suffered a season-ending harm when he tore a ligament in his foot in a 20-10 loss to the New England Patriots.

If Darnold is out any vital period of time, P.J. Walker would presumably be Mayfield’s backup.

Darnold’s harm got here simply minutes after Gonzalez was carted to the locker room with a groin harm. Gonzalez was injured whereas warming up on the sideline on the moist discipline. Punter John Hekker transformed the PAT on Darnold’s landing.

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