Former Panthers QB PJ Walker Moves Into Starting Role This Sunday

Another chance to start for the ex-Panther quarterback.

This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will turn to P.J. Walker at quarterback for their home matchup against the San Francisco 49ers as starting QB Deshaun Watson will miss his second straight game due to a right shoulder injury.

Last week, the Browns gave the keys of the offense to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson who had a far-from-memorable debut completing just 19-of 36 pass attempts for 121 yards and three interceptions in the 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Walker spent the previous three seasons with the Carolina Panthers where he started seven games and compiled a 4-3 record. In 15 total appearances with the Panthers, Walker amassed 1,461 yards through the air but completed just 57% of his passes and had just five touchdowns to eleven interceptions.

Despite having a prior connection to Frank Reich, the Panthers, and Walker went in different directions as Carolina was set to usher in a rookie quarterback along with an experienced backup. Walker signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Bears but was outperformed by undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent and was released in late August. Just a few days after being let go, Walker signed to Cleveland's practice squad.

Walker will have his work cut out for him going up against the league's third-best defense in terms of total yards per game (266.8) and the No. 1 scoring defense (13.6 ppg allowed). It also doesn't help that the 49ers defensive coordinator is Steve Wilks, who was his head coach for the final 12 games of the season in 2022.

You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on X:

Facebook - @PanthersOnSI

X - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.