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CHARLOTTE, NC – Former XFL star PJ Walker will start for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday as a quarterback against the Detroit Lions.
Walker will replace Teddy Bridgewater, who was placed on the inactive list after going through two rigorous pre-game sessions to test the right knee that was sprained a week ago in a loss to Tampa Bay.
This will be Walker’s first start in the NFL. He played twice when Bridgewater left with injuries, completing 3 8-for-15 passing attempts.
He will be assisted by Will Grier, a 2019 third-round pick who was 0-2 as a starter last year when Cam Newton was injured.
Walker was signed in the offseason after leading the Houston Roughnecks to a 5-0 record with 15 touchdown passes before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season. He was part of Carolina coach Matt Rhule’s rebuild program at Temple from 2013-17.
The decision to bench Bridgewater had as much to do with protecting his left knee which was badly damaged in 2016 when he was the starter in Minnesota as his right knee. There were concerns that he would put too much pressure on the left knee if he was put in a position to protect himself.
Bridgewater is expected to be back next week when the Panthers (3-7) take on the Vikings.
The fact that the Panthers lost two starters on the offensive line – left tackle Russell Okung and right guard John Miller – was also a factor in Bridgewater’s sitting position. Rhule has been clear in recent days that Bridgewater needs to be able to protect itself in the event of duress.
Rhule, owner David Tepper, general manager Marty Hurney and offensive coordinator Joe Brady were among those who saw Bridgewater come out twice for pre-game drills.
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