Report: Panthers signing QB Matt Barkley with Sam Darnold hurting

Coming off the loss to the New England Patriots that dropped the Carolina Panthers to 4-5 on the season, head coach Matt Rhule told reporters Monday that quarterback Sam Darnold was having an MRI to examine a shoulder injury. 

Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer reported Tuesday that the Panthers are signing journeyman veteran Matt Barkley from the Tennessee Titans' practice squad pending a physical. Barkley presumably would be available to serve as a backup for former XFL star P.J. Walker if Walker starts in place of Darnold for this coming Sunday's game at the 8-1 Arizona Cardinals. 

Darnold threw three interceptions in the loss to New England and is considered day-to-day following the MRI. Even if he's cleared to be in the lineup by the weekend, some have suggested Rhule could and should make a change and see if Walker can provide the offense with a needed spark and some positive momentum now that the Panthers have lost five of their last six games. 

As for Barkley, he's made just seven starts and 19 appearances since he entered the NFL via the 2013 draft. He completed 11-of-21 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown and one interception with the Buffalo Bills during the 2020 campaign.