Report: Darnold to miss several weeks with fractured scapula in shoulder

Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is set to miss several weeks due to a fractured scapula in his right shoulder, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

P.J. Walker will start for the Panthers in Darnold's absence. Carolina goes on the road to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 and hosts the Washington Football Team in Week 11.

Darnold was initially believed to be day-to-day after suffering the injury in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots.

The 2018 third overall pick started strong in his first season in Carolina following an offseason trade from the New York Jets. But he has struggled mightily over the last five games, four of which were losses.

Darnold completed just 51.9% of his passes for 797 yards and two touchdowns against eight interceptions in those five games. He also took 11 sacks and fumbled twice, losing one.

The quarterback threw three interceptions in the 24-6 loss to the Patriots. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule gave a blunt assessment of Darnold's play after the game, saying "we can't keep throwing the ball up in the air."

Darnold also downplayed wide receiver Robby Anderson's sideline outburst toward him.

The Panthers benched the signal-caller late in the Week 7 loss to the New York Giants. Walker, a former XFL standout, took over from Darnold but completed just three of his 14 pass attempts for 33 yards.