Panthers QB Sam Darnold to have MRI on shoulder

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule directly stated last month that quarterback Sam Darnold was "not playing well enough." Since that time, the Panthers have lost two of three games and sit at 4-5 after opening the season with three consecutive victories. 

Darnold tossed three interceptions in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the New England Patriots, and Rhule confirmed Monday the signal-caller is set to have an MRI to examine a shoulder injury he suffered prior to Carolina's latest defeat.

"Right now we're focused on him and his health," Rhule responded when asked if he believes Darnold is the right starting quarterback for his team, per Nick Shook of the NFL's website. 

According to ESPN stats, Darnold is 31st in the NFL among eligible quarterbacks with a 71.3 passer rating and 29th with a 35.8 total QBR. He's tied for the league lead with 11 interceptions and has only seven passing touchdowns to match. 

Former XFL star P.J. Walker is currently behind Darnold on the Carolina depth chart and presumably would start for Sunday's matchup at the 8-1 Arizona Cardinals if Darnold is ruled out or if Rhule wants to make a change. 

Former Panthers quarterback and one-time NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton remains a free agent, but there's currently no indication Carolina is interested in a reunion with the 32-year-old.