PJ Walker Impresses In 2021 Preseason Debut With Carolina

PJ Walker Impresses In 2021 Preseason Debut With Carolina

Former XFL superstar for the Houston Roughnecks, PJ Walker, got some playing time this weekend in a preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Walker had been signed by the Carolina Panthers last year, and served as the backup for Teddy Bridgewater.

Now that the Panthers signed Sam Darnold in the offseason, Walker will most likely end up being his backup. However, he played quite well in his first preseason game this year, and did enough to turn some heads.

For example, the throw above is the type of playmaking abilities that coaches want to see. We saw PJ do this plenty of times in the XFL – using his legs to keep the play alive, and then finding someone down the field.

He finished the day with 161 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt. His most impressive throw against the Colts came on this touchdown strike to Tommy Tremble:

While Sam Darnold has more NFL experience, PJ Walker has certainly proven himself capable of playing at a high level in the pros.

During last year’s season, Walker started against Detroit, leading Carolina to a 20-0 victory. He threw for 258 yards and a touchdown in the blowout win.

Of course, we are all aware of the incredible season he had in the XFL, where his Roughnecks were undefeated after five weeks of play, before the league was shut down due to the pandemic.

Only time will tell where PJ Walker ultimately ends up, but the journeyman QB should be proud of what he has accomplished so far, and hopefully he will see some action come the season.

Do you think Carolina should start PJ Walker over Sam Darnold? Is Walker worthy of being on an NFL roster? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!