CHARLOTTE — The Panthers placed quarterback Sam Darnold on injured reserve Friday.
Darnold was going to miss at least four weeks with a shoulder injury, so placing him on IR was the natural next step.
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said earlier this week that he didn't think the injury was necessarily season-ending, and was likely in the four-to-six week range.
The Panthers plan to start P.J. Walker Sunday against the Cardinals, with just-acquired Matt Barkley and Cam Newton in reserve.
They also adjusted the practice squad, bringing in linebacker Josh Watson. He spent two years with the Broncos (2019-2020), and was on the Chargers practice squad earlier this season.
To make room for Watson on the practice squad, they released quarterback James Morgan.