Panthers' Wilks: Mayfield won't be gifted QB job when healthy

Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield won't automatically assume the starting quarterback job once he returns from injury, interim coach Steve Wilks said Monday, according to ESPN's David Newton.

Wilks alluded to an open competition, saying all quarterbacks are "considered to be in the mix" to start the Week 7 meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers amid injury concerns at the position.

"I can tell you right now, those guys are going to compete at that position just as well as other positions do to see who exactly goes out there on Sunday," Wilks said.

Mayfield missed the Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams due to a high ankle sprain. P.J. Walker started the game but exited with a neck issue, forcing Jacob Eason to finish the contest.

Sam Darnold is also expected to come off injured reserve Wednesday, Wilks said. However, the 25-year-old's availability is in doubt due to limited preparation time following his injury in preseason.

"I've got a lot of confidence in (Darnold) as an individual and a player, but being off so long, you don't know exactly how he's going to return," Wilks said.

Mayfield struggled as the Panthers' starting quarterback to open the season, winning only one of his five starts. He completed 54.9% of his passes for four touchdowns to four interceptions.

The Panthers have a 1-5 record. Carolina fired former head coach Matt Rhule prior to Week 6.

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