Sam Darnold to make his Panthers debut vs. Baltimore? Matt Rhule is leaning that way
Fans at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday will get a sample of what to expect from the Carolina Panthers during the regular season.
Coach Matt Rhule said Thursday that he’s “leaning toward” quarterback Sam Darnold playing some in the Panthers’ preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. He also said “several starters” will play a “small amount.” The decision was announced after the final of two joint practices with the Ravens.
“The toll of two joint practices — pretty physical joint practices — I know some guys asked me, ‘Hey, was there a little less energy (at yesterday’s practice)?’ You watch the film, it was by far more physical than it had been,” Rhule said. “Really good work yesterday and today.”
Part of the decision regarding which players will participate in the game will come down to the availability of certain injured players. Rhule does not want to put someone like Darnold on the field if he will not be protected.
“We’d like to play (Darnold), just making sure we have the full complement of guys around him that can help him,” Rhule said. “... That’s really what we’re leaning (towards) and hopefully that we’ll have enough guys healthy to be able to do that.”
Wide receiver DJ Moore got hit in the back during Wednesday’s joint practice but participated in the beginning portion of camp Thursday until he got hit trying to make a catch near the sideline and tightened up his back. Moore was also penalized for pass interference on play he was injured.
Fellow wideout Robby Anderson was out for a second straight day with a hamstring injury, left tackle Cam Erving finished practice early due to injury — Taylor Moton slid in at left tackle in his place. Guard John Miller also did not participate in Thursday’ practice.
Kickoff Saturday is scheduled for 7 p.m. (WSOC)
All of the team’s starters sat out during the first preseason game vs. the Indianapolis Colts. Second-year cornerback Troy Pride Jr. suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the game. The Panthers are planning to play starters during the third preseason game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This story was originally published August 19, 2021 at 10:50 AM with the headline "Sam Darnold to make his Panthers debut vs. Baltimore? Matt Rhule is leaning that way."
