The more pessimistic scenario is that the quarterback will be out for six weeks despite testing fine and recovering quite quickly. Carolina Panthers will be struggling a lot during the period of his absence due to having only one healthy QB option. Mayfield may need more time to fully recover after a very serious ankle injury that, thankfully, did not lead to any complications and issues.
Baker’s injury complicates things for the Panthers
Steve Wilks, the interim coach of the Carolina Panthers, said that Mayfield is feeling good and that he tested ok. However, doctors decided to give the player more time to heal. The expected recovery will be, at the very best, at the end of October. The quarterback will miss at least two matches and won’t be able to start training until two weeks pass.
Right now, coaches are putting on their best faces by saying that the team is ready to go and won’t be losing firepower despite not having an active quarterback except for PJ Walker who will be starting every game due to not having any alternatives for the foreseeable future. Sam Darnold, another QB playing for the Panthers, is also recovering from an ankle injury suffered in August. It means that the Panthers will be, at the very least, quite predictable due to having only one QB choice.
Wilks has been very confident when talking about Walker stating that the player has been training well and shows determination to deliver great performances. However, the absence of Darnold and Mayfield severely limits both strategical and power options for the team. Without any viable substitutes, Walker will quickly run out of stamina to keep up. The panthers need Mayfield to recover as quickly as possible.
There are other options, but they are inferior
The panthers can field other players to take the QB position, but it will be hard to make up for the loss in power and specialization. Despite Wilks putting on his best mask of bravery, the upcoming weeks will be tough for Carolina. It seems that we will see the squad in its peak shape only by the end of November.
