Sam Darnold Injury: Panthers' QB Facing Extended Absence With Ankle Sprain

Carolina reclamation quarterback and former No. 4 overall pick Sam Darnold suffered a significant left ankle injury in Friday's preseason game and had to be taken to the locker room on a golf cart. 

Based on video of the injury, the Pro Football Docs have concern for a Grade 2 high ankle sprain that involves torn ligaments and could keep Darnold out for a significant portion of the season. 

Sam Darnold Injury Update

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that initial tests revealed a high ankle sprain and Darnold will undergo an MRI tomorrow. 

While the injury looks gruesome, Darnold luckily avoided an ankle fracture, but he is likely to join rookie teammate Matt Corral on IR to start the season, guaranteeing he will miss the first three games.

If his sprain is Grade 2, the 25-year-old could be back in around six weeks, but that would be a best-case scenario.

Darnold had his left ankle bent significantly inward when rookie defensive tackle C.J. Brewer brought him down on an incomplete pass late in the third quarter.

Darnold scored on a one-yard rush in the preceding drive.

The fifth-year quarterback is currently a backup to fellow 2018 top-5 pick Baker Mayfield, who is expected to start Week 1.

Darnold struggled in 11 starts for the Panthers in 2021, throwing for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions on a 59.9% completion rate.