Panthers' PJ Walker to Start over Baker Mayfield Against Ravens, Steve Wilks Says

Carolina Panthers head coach Steve Wilks told reporters Friday that PJ Walker will likely remain the starting quarterback in Week 11.

Walker helped the Panthers earn a 25-15 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, improving the team's record to 3-7. He finished 10-of-16 passing for 108 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a rain-heavy game.

In six games (five starts), Walker has 731 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Carolina benched Walker during the Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, allowing Baker Mayfield to showcase his ability with 155 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the Panthers went back to Walker for Week 10.

Mayfield, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick, began the season as a starter after joining Carolina in an offseason trade from the Cleveland Browns. However, he played poorly and is 1-4 as a starter.

His 78.1 quarterback rating is the worst of his career, while his 16.9 Total QBR is easily the lowest of 32 qualified players.

Even after returning from a Week 5 ankle injury, Mayfield hasn't done enough to regain his starting job.

Sam Darnold has also returned from an ankle injury suffered in the preseason, but he was inactive for Thursday's game.

It leaves Walker as the top option, even with modest statistics.

Despite the Panthers' struggles, they remain in contention in the NFC South with just one fewer win than the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.