CHARLOTTE — Sam Darnold is back on the roster, but he's not in uniform. At least not tonight.
Darnold, who was activated back to the 53-man roster earlier this week, won't dress tonight for the Panthers against the Falcons.
PJ Walker will start at quarterback, and Baker Mayfield will be his backup, but the Panthers generally do not dress three quarterbacks.
Interim coach Steve Wilks hasn't made any global declarations about the future of the position but said earlier this week that having Darnold active this week would have been a stretch because of the short week. So next week against the Ravens could open the door to him being in uniform.
The other inactives for the Panthers Thursday night after safety Juston Burris, wide receiver Rashard Higgins, tackle Larnel Coleman, and linebacker Arron Mosby.
Burris (concussion) and Higgins (illness) were ruled out earlier this week.
Myles Hartsfield is expected to start again at safety for Burris, since Jeremy Chinn hasn't been activated yet. He was just designated to return from injured reserve this week and practiced on Tuesday, but could be back as soon as next week at Baltimore.
PANTHERS INACTIVES
QB Sam Darnold
WR Rashard Higgins
S Juston Burris
LB Arron Mosby
OT Larnel Coleman
FALCONS INACTIVES
TE Feleipe Franks
S Erik Harris
CB A.J. Terrell
LB Nate Landman
OL Jonotthan Harrison
TE Anthony Firkser
DL Matt Dickerson
View photos of the Panthers arriving to play Atlanta on Thursday Night Football at the Coca-Cola arrivals.