Panthers HC Steve Wilks: Baker Mayfield 'definitely could' be backup QB vs. Rams

Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield may be ahead of schedule regarding his recovery from a high-ankle sprain. 

According to David Newton of ESPN, Carolina interim coach Steve Wilks told reporters Friday that Mayfield "definitely could be the backup" to scheduled starter P.J. Walker when the 1-4 Panthers play at the 2-3 Los Angeles Rams Sunday. 

Mayfield was reportedly set to be sidelined anywhere from two to six weeks due to the setback he suffered during last Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. However, Wilks noted on Wednesday that the 27-year-old had a chance to participate in this Sunday's contest, and the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft was out of his walking boot Friday.

"Baker had a great workout this morning," Wilks added about Mayfield. "He looked good. ... The strength staff took him through a very intense workout — good movement, change of direction and really trying to put some pressure on his ankle. He threw the ball well."

There was some thought that Wilks, who replaced the fired Matt Rhule on Monday, could go with Walker due to Mayfield's poor play over his first five games with the Panthers. ESPN stats show that Mayfield enters the weekend dead last among eligible quarterbacks who haven't experienced season-ending injuries with a 71.9 passer rating and 16.6 total QBR. He's 31st with a 54.9% completion percentage and 23rd with 962 passing yards, and he has managed to throw just four touchdowns matched with four interceptions on the campaign.