Panthers QB Baker Mayfield to miss 'couple weeks' following Week 5 injury

The Carolina Panthers could be without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield for “at least a couple of weeks,” according to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter. Mayfield has a sprained ankle that could sideline him, which is bad timing for the squad that just fired head coach Matt Rhule and has few options at the position.

Schefter also shared that the injured quarterback intends to gather more opinions on his injury to make the best decision on how to proceed.

Following Mayfield’s exit from the Panthers’ loss on Sunday, backup quarterback P.J. Walker entered in his place. Walker went 5-of-6 for 60 yards, however, the game was already out of reach. He’ll likely get his first start of the year as the other Carolina QBs, Sam Darnold and Matt Corral, are on injured reserve.

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Baker Mayfield had an X-ray, which was negative, after the game on Sunday, but underwent further testing, including an MRI, on Monday. The former Browns first-rounder left the stadium in a walking boot after going 20-for-36 with an interception and four sacks versus the 49ers in Week 5.

Prior to his injury this season, he completed 54.7 percent of his passes for 747 yards. He also had four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Panthers part ways with Matt Rhule after 1-4 start

The Carolina Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule on Monday, early in his third season in charge of the organization.

According to a report from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Rhule should receive a $40 million buyout, per the terms of his contract. But while Carolina is ‘on the hook’ for this season’s salary, future salary obligations from the buyout can be offset by any future college employment.

The offsetting language is fairly typical in coaching contracts.

It allows for schools or organizations to commit heavily to coaches but escape some of the financial liability for a buyout in the event that the coach turns around and lands another job. Rhule should have no lack of suitors, following his strong stint as a college head coach at both Temple and Baylor.

Rhule finished his NFL stint with just an 11-27 overall record, including a 1-4 mark to open the 2022 season with the Panthers.