As if the turnovers and final score weren’t bad enough, the Carolina Panthers limped away from Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots with a rash of injured starters. Quarterback Sam Darnold played a week after sustaining a hard hit in the Panthers divisional win over the Atlanta Falcons that placed him in the concussion protocol. He was listed earlier in the week on the injury report with an injured right shoulder but was under center when it was game time. It was a forgettable day at the office for Darnold who threw three interceptions and had a passer rating in the teens at one point of the game. Speaking with media on Monday, head coach Matt Rhule disclosed that the starting quarterback is undergoing an MRI.
During the game, starting offensive linemen Matt Paradis and Cameron Erving both went down with injuries. It was confirmed later in the afternoon that Paradis suffered a torn ACL and would go on season-ending Injured Reserve. Erving was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a calf injury. Defensive end Brian Burns has a sprained ankle, presumably from a questionable play by Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, and underwent an MRI on Monday as well.
In other roster moves, the team waived running back Royce Freeman and linebacker Clay Johnston. With punter Joseph Charlton still not fully recovered from a back injury, Lachlan Edwards was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. He has been promoted each of the last two weeks. Receiver Aaron Parker was placed on practice squad/injured list. The active roster now sits at 50 with a couple of practice squad spots open as well.
