We still have yet to receive any concrete developments from the Carolina Panthers on Sam Darnold’s right shoulder. And while this may not be “concrete,” it’s certainly an indicator of what may lie ahead.
According to Darin Gantt of the team’s official website, the Panthers are planning to sign quarterback Matt Barkley. The 31-year-old will be added off the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad assuming he clears his impending physical.
Barkley is currently in his ninth NFL season—having also picked up stops with the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills. He’s totaled 2,699 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 22 interceptions over 19 games.
Carolina’s move for Barkley may be a pretty firm clue that Darnold won’t be healthy enough to make the Week 10 trip to Arizona. The former Cardinal, coincidentally, would provide a decent enough safety net for presumed starter P.J. Walker given his pro experience.
