When the XFL kicked off in 2020 there was one team that stood among the rest. The Houston Roughnecks with PJ Walker at QB ended the shortened season undefeated at 5-0.
Due to COVID, the XFL was forced to suspend its season and ultimately shutter its operations prior to filing for bankruptcy. Although the league was unable to finish their inaugural season PJ Walker was named the leagues MVP.
When XFL players officially became free agents, PJ Walker was one of the first to be signed. The NFL’s Carolina Panthers picked up the XFL star and we’ve seen him come in for the team on a few occasions.
Last week it was reported that PJ Walker was preparing to start for the Carolina Panthers last week, but when the game came around Same Darnold still came in to begin the matchup. Unfortunately for Darnold, it looks like that game took a toll on him.
Ian Rapoport reports that after two days of testing, Sam Darnold has been diagnosed with a fractured scapula. This injury will most likely lead to Darnold missing several weeks, putting PJ Walker at the starting position.
After two days of testing, exams revealed that #Panthers QB Sam Darnold has a fractured scapula, sources say. The right shoulder injury will most likely lead to Darnold missing several weeks. PJ Walker, his backup, will step in.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2021
PJ Walker’s only start for the Panthers was last year against the Detroit Lions. Walker ultimately led his team to a shutout 20-0 victory, throwing for 258 yards and securing a touchdown during the effort.
Walker has come in for the team on a handful of occasions since, but hasn’t been able to give the same type of performance. The Panthers are set to take on the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, so it’s not going to be an easy feat; especially when you consider that they’ll be playing on the road.
At the time of publication the Panthers are 4-5, whereas the Cardinals sit above the NFC West with a 7-1 record.
One thing that we know for certain, all XFL fans will be rooting for PJ Walker this weekend and each week he has the opportunity to start. This is just another example of why the XFL worked. We’ve seen numerous former XFL players shine in the NFL since the league was forced into bankruptcy, and we look forward to seeing the stars that the league creates when it returns in 2023.
Will you be tuning in to watch former XFL MVP PJ Walker this Sunday? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
