Yesterday we is was reported by Ian Rapoport that Sam Darnold had been diagnosed with a fractured scapula and former Houston Roughnecks QB PJ Walker would likely start for the Carolina Panthers. It was later clarified by Rapoport that it was only a partial fracture. At the moment, it’s expected that Darnold will be out for 4-6 weeks.
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
The last time PJ Walker started for the Panthers he led the team to a 20-0 shutout victory over the Detroit Lions. During his lone start he accumulated 258 yards and a touchdown.
Earlier today, PJ Walker spoke to the media to for the first time since being named the starter to discuss his upcoming role for the team.
P.J. Walker speaks to the media on Wednesday https://t.co/9UMaxHhaOo
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 10, 2021
With Darnold out, PJ Walker has a huge opportunity in front of him. When asked about it, he spoke about his time in the XFL, where he speaks about the amount of fun he had in the league. He specifically mentioned he’s going to bring his XFL ball to the game for good luck.
He also mentioned wanting to bring the fun and excitement we saw in the XFL to this game coming up this Sunday. Walker also leaned on his love for the team and looked forward to proving himself this Sunday against the NFC West leaders.
The Carolina Panthers currently sit at 4-5, so it’s going to be a feat for Walker when he takes on the 7-1 Arizona Cardinals.
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.
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.
