Panthers fire Rhule, Mayfield out several weeks
The Carolina Panthers announced Monday they have fired coach Matt Rhule after two-plus seasons and have named defensive pass game coordinator/secondary Steve Wilks as the interim head coach. The Panthers fell to 1-4 Sunday after their 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rhule, 47, whose teams were marked by ineffective play at quarterback and a lack of explosive offense, leaves Carolina with an 11-27 record. He becomes the first coach in Panthers franchise history to serve fewer than three seasons.
Rhule, the first NFL coach to be fired this season, went 11-27 with Carolina and leaves with roughly $40 million remaining on the seven-year, guaranteed $62 million contract he signed in 2020, when he made the jump from Baylor to the pros.
Also, person familiar with the situation says Carolina quarterback and former OU star Baker Mayfield has been diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain and is expected to miss several weeks. The person, who said Mayfield is expected to get a second opinion, spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the team has not yet released details of the injury. P.J. Walker is expected to start Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
DOLPHINS: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is still showing no concussion symptoms after a hit against the Jets on Sunday caused him to leave the game, but he remains in the concussion protocol after the NFL’s revised concussion rules. Starter Tua Tagovailoa is still in the concussion protocol and is not ready to return to football activities, according to coach Mike McDaniel. McDaniel also did not commit to rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson as the Dolphins starter Sunday against the Vikings.
SEAHAWKS: ESPN reported that Seattle running back Rashaad Penny suffered a broken fibula and injured the tibia in his left leg on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season. Penny’s injury will require surgery.
RAVENS 19, BENGALS 17: Justin Tucker kicked a 43-yard field goal on the final play to lift the Baltimore Ravens over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night and into sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Tucker also made a 58yard kick in the third quarter. The Ravens fell behind 17-16 on Joe Burrow’s 1-yard sneak with 1:58 remaining, but they could feel confident because they only needed a field goal. Tucker’s game-winner extended his streak to 61 straight successful field goals in the fourth quarter and overtime.