Panthers bench QB Cam Newton in favor of Sam Darnold

With starting quarterback Sam Darnold sidelined due to a shoulder injury that put him out of action last month, the Carolina Panthers brought 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton back via a short-term contract that reportedly could've been worth up to $10 million. That homecoming hasn't gone well, as Newton lost all five of his starts en route to the Panthers falling to 5-10 on the season. 

Unsurprisingly, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule announced a change on Wednesday. 

Per David Newton of ESPN, Rhule told reporters that Darnold will get the nod for this coming Sunday's game at the 7-8 New Orleans Saints. Both Darnold and Newton played in this past Sunday's blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Unlike Newton, Darnold is signed through the 2022 campaign via the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract. 

"I want to see him play the way he did in the first ballgame; he threw the ball on time, was aggressive with his throws," Rhule said of Darnold. "I'd like to see him play with aggression, be aggressive and play within the system."

Newton, meanwhile, may not see any snaps at New Orleans. 

According to ESPN stats, Darnold enters the new year 30th among eligible quarterbacks with a 70.8 passer rating and 27th with a 35.4 total QBR. He's completed 58.3% of his passes for 2,176 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions across 10 contests.