The Carolina Panthers won their final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Friday night with a score of 21-0. However, this victory came at the cost of two of their players being injured. Backup quarterback Sam Darnold hurt his ankle, while kicker Zane Gonzalez suffered a groin injury.
According to Adam Schefter from ESPN, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule described Gonzalez’s groin injury as “significant” and “long-term”. Therefore, further examinations are required before it can be determined if Gonzalez can return this season.
“He’s going to be seen by a specialist, and that will lead to any future decisions that have to be made,” Rhule said. “But it is a significant injury to his groin. And obviously, our thoughts are with Zane at this time. He’s a warrior. He’ll find a way to battle back, and we’ll find out exactly what the length of that is.”
Gonzalez got his injury in the third quarter while kicking from the sideline. He was taken to the locker room in a trolley and never came out. In his place, punter Johnny Hekker took over the kicking duties.
“I didn’t see what happened at first, but I saw him after the fact grabbing at his groin a little bit,” Hekker said.
Gonzalez scored for Carolina in 12 games he played last year, making 20 of 22 field goals and 22 of 23 extra points. He is currently in his second season with the Panthers, and the team gave him an extension this offseason due to his consistency.
“I knew; I’ve been around kickers that have had something go there. It’s unfortunate for him; he’s worked his tail off, he’s a great, great kicker,” Hekker said.
“In my eyes, one of the best in the league. Top, top leg talent. He’ll bounce back from this and be a pro in his whole recovery, and we’ll have his back the whole way. I’m hopeful his future has a lot of great stuff for the Carolina Panthers.”
Darnold’s ankle injury update
Rhule also described Darnold’s injury as “significant.” It’s unknown how long Darnold will be out until further tests are conducted.
“We’re not sure we have the exact length,” Rhule said. “We’ve sent images to specialists to try to gauge it. But again, that does look like a significant injury that could take some time.”
Darnold was carried off the field in the second half of the game against Buffalo. He received his injury when he was running to his right to toss the ball away and was struck from behind by Buffalo defensive tackle C.J. Brewer. Reports said that Brewer’s body rolled over Darnold’s ankle.
After the game, Darnold avoided speaking to the media. While he was being examined by medical personnel, his personal belongings and a pair of crutches remained in the locker room.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Darnold is anticipated to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. If rehab goes without a hitch, he will be ready for the Week 3 home game against the New Orleans Saints.
Rhule also said that the team will just “wait and see” as Darnold recovers, while noting that he tends to recover “quickly.”
“Sam’s a tough kid,” Rhule asserted. “He usually comes back really quickly. I’d say nothing’s off the table.”
The Panthers now only have Baker Mayfield and former XFL player P.J. Walker as their healthy rostered quarterbacks.