Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is in concussion protocol after being knocked out of Sunday’s 19-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons during the middle of the fourth quarter.
Darnold was injured on a scramble in which he gained 8 yards to the Atlanta 3-yard line and was tackled by Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun.
He exited the game and was replaced by P.J. Walker.
Carolina coach Matt Rhule said he didn’t immediately know how long Darnold will be sidelined. He said the team will need to add another quarterback on the roster if Darnold’s absence is lengthy.
The Panthers (4-4) host the New England Patriots next Sunday.
Darnold, 24, completed 13 of 24 passes for 129 yards and rushed eight times for 66 yards prior to the injury.
Darnold, who was acquired from the New York Jets in the offseason, has passed for 1,814 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Walker threw one incompletion after replacing Darnold. The second-year pro made one start in 2020 and completed 24 of 34 passes for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 20-0 win over the Detroit Lions.
Walker, 26, is 3-of-15 passing for 33 yards in two appearances this season.
Carolina has been rumored to be considering a trade for Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
–Field Level Media
