Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield will not need surgery on the high ankle sprain he suffered. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said that Mayfield avoided “major damage”, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Mayfield will not be placed on IR, but is expected to miss anywhere from 2-6 weeks due to the injury. The quarterback could return within the next four games since he is avoiding a spot on injured reserve list.
Mayfield suffered the ankle injury during the Panthers’ Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick, who was acquired by the Panthers in a July trade with the Cleveland Browns, suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2 last season which lingered throughout the year, causing him to miss three games before underwent surgery in the offseason. Prior to that, Mayfield hadn’t missed any contests because of injury over his first three NFL seasons.
In five appearances for the Panthers this season, Mayfield has completed 54.9 percent of his throws for 962 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. P.J. Walker will take over as the team’s starter in Mayfield’s absence.
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