The Carolina Panthers announced that Sam Darnold is out four to six weeks with a shoulder injury, but the team is operating as if the quarterback will not play again this season, league sources tell ESPN.
One source told ESPN this past week that the Panthers "know Sam is out for the season," which contributed to Carolina signing quarterback Cam Newton to a one-year contract that essentially guarantees him $6 million.
Once the Panthers knew Darnold was out indefinitely, they identified Newton as the best quarterback to help them reach the postseason out of the NFC South.