P.J. WALKER NEWS

Enters in relief Walker completed three of 14 passes for 33 yards in Sunday's 25-3 loss to the Giants. He added one rush for 13 yards.

Impact Walker entered the game to start the fourth quarter in favor of Sam Darnold. He wasn't particularly effective, as he displayed poor accuracy and worked mostly in short areas of the field. On the other hand, he also showcased his ability on the ground, which would be a significant boost to his fantasy value if he were to get an ongoing chance as the starter. After the game, coach Matt Rhule said that the team would be going back to Darnold for a Week 8 matchup against Atlanta, according to Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site. Even so, this could be a situation to monitor moving forward.

OCTOBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Cam Newton headlines list of NFL players released

Cam Newton followed Mac Jones along the sideline, holding his right hand up, waiting for the rookie quarterback to slap it after the No. 15 overall pick threw a touchdown in a pres...

AUGUST 31, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wins backup job Walker is one of two quarterbacks on Carolina's roster after the team cut Will Grier on Tuesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Walker appears to have won the No. 2 job for a second straight year, despite completing just 16 of 39 passes (41.0 percent) this preseason. He at least avoided any sacks or interceptions, after throwing five picks on 56 pass attempts for the Panthers last season. Walker did dominate in the XFL back in 2020, and he'll have talented pass catchers surrounding him if he replaces Sam Darnold at any point this year.

AUGUST 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Nondescript third outing Walker completed five of 10 passes for 83 yards in Friday night's 34-9 preseason win over the Steelers.

Impact Walker played behind starter Sam Darnold and ahead of competitor Will Grier, but he didn't do much to distinguish himself. In contrast, Grier found the end zone with an uncharacteristic 24-yard touchdown run. Following a couple impressive performances from Grier, it remains to be seen whether Walker's incumbent status will be enough for him to hold onto Carolina's second-string job ahead of Week 1's matchup against the Jets.

AUGUST 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Lousy second showing Walker completed just one of eight passes for eight yards in Saturday's 20-3 preseason loss to the Ravens.

Impact Walker watched Will Grier start and complete 11 of 14 passes for 144 yards prior to entering the game during the third quarter. From there, Walker struggled to move the ball whatsoever, enabling Grier's performance to close the gap on the competition to serve as Sam Darnold's backup this season. With that job still up for grabs, Friday's exhibition finale versus the Steelers takes on increased importance for Walker and Grier.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ravens tie NFL record with 19th straight preseason win, 20-3

Tyler Huntley threw for 187 yards, and the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-3 to tie an NFL record with their 19th straight preseason win

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Eason efficient, Ehlinger shines late as Colts beat Panthers

Jacob Eason was efficient in place of the injured Carson Wentz, and rookie Sam Ehlinger delivered in the final quarter for the Indianapolis Colts

AUGUST 15, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Starting Sunday Walker will start Sunday's preseason contest at Indianapolis, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact With coach Matt Rhule sitting Sam Darnold and many of the starters, Walker will lead the offense in the Panthers' exhibition opener. In four appearances, including one start in relief of Teddy Bridgewater, last season, Walker completed 32 of 56 passes (57 percent) for 368 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions. Meanwhile, 2019 third-rounder Will Grier didn't see the field at all in 2020. As this preseason wears on, any in-game reps that Darnold doesn't get will trickle down to Walker and Grier, whose respective performances will determine if the team keeps two or three QBs this fall.

AUGUST 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

See ya Sam: Jets trade Darnold to Panthers for 3 draft picks

The New York Jets have traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers

APRIL 5, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Completes first NFL season Walker finished the 2020 season with 32 completions on 56 attempts for 368 passing yards, one touchdown and five interceptions in four games played.

Impact Walker, after a successful spell in the XFL, reunited with his college coach Matt Rhule in Carolina last offseason. In his first NFL campaign, the 25-year-old served as Teddy Bridgewater's backup, but got to start with the veteran sidelined in Week 11 versus the Lions. Walker finished with 258 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions while leading the Panthers to a 20-0 victory. While that performance supplanted his status as a capable second option, Walker didn't fare as well in relief of an injured Bridgewater in Week 17 versus the Saints, completing just five of 14 attempts for 95 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. Although he remains under contract for next season, Walker's job could be in jeopardy if Carolina opts to sign or draft another quarterback to go with Bridgewater in 2021.

JANUARY 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers next GM will have decision to make at quarterback

The Panthers' next general manager’s first order of business will be deciding what to do at quarterback

JANUARY 4, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Latest: Henry runs for 2k, Titans' doink wins AFC South

The Tennessee Titans needed the game of Derrick Henry’s career and another big comeback to win their first AFC South title since 2008

JANUARY 3, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Panthers coaching staff deserves blame after loss to Vikings

Matt Rhule hit the nail on the head when he said he and his coaching staff deserve full blame for the Panthers surrendering an 11-point fourth quarter lead and losing 28-27 to the...

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Returning to backup role Walker is slated to move into a reserve role with Teddy Bridgewater (knee) on track to start Sunday's game in Minnesota, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Walker received his first NFL start over Will Grier last week against the Lions when Bridgewater was inactive due to an MCL sprain. The fourth-year pro essentially acted as a game manager while Carolina rolled to a 20-0 win, completing 24 of 34 passes for 258 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. With Bridgewater beginning Week 12 as a full practice participant, he looks like he'll be ready to reclaim starting duties Sunday, but Walker should stick ahead of Grier as the No. 2 quarterback.

NOVEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Derek Carr is the king of the audacious audibles in 2020

One byproduct of pandemic football is hearing quarterbacks' calls loud and clear, and the Raiders' Derek Carr is the king of the audacious audible

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

NFL Today, Week 11

NFL Today, Week 11

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Holds own in Week 11 start Walker completed 24 of 34 passes for 258 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Panthers' 20-0 win over the Lions on Sunday. He also netted minus-2 yards on five ru...

Impact Making what could be termed a quasi-last-minute spot start for Teddy Bridgewater (knee) -- whose status was in doubt until pregame warmups -- Walker acquitted himself very well overall in his first NFL opportunity to open a game under center. The former XFL star displayed impressive accuracy even while keeping his targets limited to just four pass catchers overall. However, three of those were the top wideout trio of DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel and Robby Anderson, who Walker hit for at least one double-digit completion apiece, including a nifty 17-yard touchdown toss to Samuel. Carolina's defense also played its best game of the season by far, helping support the inexperienced signal-caller with its play. Bridgewater reportedly is likely to return for a Week 12 road matchup versus the Vikings, but even if this turns out to be Walker's only start, he undoubtedly picked up some valuable experience and proved he's capable of stepping in should the former go down again at any point.

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Walker wins first NFL start as Panthers blank Lions 20-0

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NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Latest: Cowboys win, NFC East teams all have 3 wins

The NFC East race has become even tighter and weirder

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gets Week 11 start Walker will receive the start at quarterback Sunday against Detroit, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact Walker came on in relief in last week's loss to the Buccaneers after Teddy Bridgewater exited with an MCL sprain in his right knee. Though the Panthers were hopeful Bridgewater would be ready to go for the Week 11 matchup, Carolina ultimately made their top signal-caller inactive for the first time this season. Coach Matt Rhule will award Walker the start over Will Grier after both players saw action with the first-team offense in practice this week, so Walker may have a short leash if he struggles to find a rhythm early on in Sunday's contest. Over his limited action behind Bridgewater this season, the former XFL standout has completed three of eight attempts for 15 yards.

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Stafford, Bridgewater both questionable for Lions-Panthers

Detroit’s Matthew Stafford and Carolina’s Teddy Bridgewater are both questionable for Sunday’s game between the Lions and Panthers

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lions, Stafford hope to take advantage of favorable schedule

Matthew Stafford has earned a reputation for being tough and playing through injuries

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Coach not ready to name backup yet Coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that Walker and Will Grier will receive equal reps in practice this week while competing for the No. 2 quarterback role, Alaina Getzenberg of The Ch...

Impact Walker served as the top backup last weekend, and he was thrust into action late during Sunday's blowout loss to the Buccaneers after Teddy Bridgewater suffered an MCL sprain in his knee. The former XFL star struggled in limited action against a tough Tampa Bay defense, as he completed just two of four passes for 12 yards and failed to move Carolina's offense on the final drive of the day. In the event that Bridgewater's injury forces him to miss time, one of Walker or Grier will line up under center versus the Lions in Week 11.

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers say McCaffrey not expected to play against Lions

Panthers coach Matt Rhule said running back Christian McCaffrey is not expected to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions, a big blow for a Carolina team that is trying to snap a fi...

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Forced into action Walker replaced the injured Teddy Bridgewater (knee) in the fourth quarter and completed two of four passes for 12 yards in Sunday's 46-23 loss to the Buccaneers.

Impact Walker was forced into the fray after Bridgewater was sacked on a third-down play with just over five minutes left in Sunday's contest. With Bridgewater unable to continue, Walker conducted an unsuccessful fourth-down attempt before leading the Panthers on their final offensive drive, which ended in a punt. After the game, it was revealed Bridgewater would undergo an MRI on his knee to determine the extent of his issue. Although some reports suggest the injury isn't believed to be overly serious, if Bridgewater is slowed at all, Walker and Will Grier would figure to command more snaps in the buildup to Week 11's game against the Lions.

NOVEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE