After cycling through both Cam Newton and P.J. Walker over the past month, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has given off the impression that he doesn’t know what he wants under center. In actuality, he’s known the entire time.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Rhule is likely to get the reins of his starting quarterback job back over to Sam Darnold sooner rather than later. And that could start to materialize here in Week 16.
“While Cam Newton will start today against the Buccaneers, Darnold is expected to enter the game within a few series and, based on how he does, could play a substantial amount, sources say,” Rapoport writes. “Playing time will be determined based on the success Darnold is having, but don’t be surprised if he cements himself as the starter over the final two games.”
Rhule had stated on Tuesday that Newton, who could be playing in his final home game as a Panther, will have a “major role” against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers this afternoon. That role, seemingly, may have a quicker expiration date than initially believed.
This report, however, should not come as a surprise given the current’s regime investment in Darnold. Not only did Rhule and company part with second and fourth-round picks in the upcoming draft for the fourth-year passer, but they also picked up his almost $19 million fifth-year option for the 2022 campaign.
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