Trainers attend to Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers QB Sam Darnold carted off after suffering gruesome ankle injury

Sam Darnold's season may be in jeopardy less than a week after losing the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback battle to Baker Mayfield. 

During the Panthers' preseason matchup on Friday night against the Buffalo Bills, Darnold appeared to suffer a severe left ankle injury. 

Bills rookie defensive tackle C.J. Brewer hit Darnold as he attempted to throw a ball away. As Darnold went to the crowd, his left ankle rolled underneath Brewer's body gruesomely. 

Trainers attended to Darnold before being carted off the field. 

Darnold went 5-of-11 for 49 passing yards while adding a one-yard touchdown run. 

Meanwhile, Mayfield finished 9-of-15 for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-0 Panthers win over the Bills. 

Darnold started 11 games for the Panthers last season, throwing for 2,527 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. 

If the 25-year-old is out for an extended time, P.J. Walker will slot in as the official backup to Mayfield unless the Panthers decide to add a veteran to their quarterback room.

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