The Browns will start P.J. Walker if Deshaun Watson can’t play on Sunday, per a league source.

Related players: Dorian Thompson-Robinson

The Browns play the 49ers so the opponent could have everything to do with the team not wanting to play rookie Thompson-Robinson, who tossed three interceptions in his first start. Watson was reportedly cleared to play but said he wasn't ready in Week 4. It may not be a good sign for Watson's Week 6 status if the Browns are already making plans to turn to Walker. Watson's shoulder injury is considered to be short-term.

The Chicago Bears released backup quarterback P.J. Walker on Sunday, the team announced.

Related players: Tyson Bagent, Nathan Peterman, Justin Fields

Walker signed a two-year contract worth $4.15 million in March with over $2 million in guarantees. After three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Walker was brought in to compete for the backup quarterback job behind Justin Fields. The Bears will now hand that role to undrafted rookie Bagent or veteran Peterman. Bagent, who signed with Chicago after playing for offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's squad at the Senior Bowl, has been the team's strongest backup QB throughout training camp, the story went on to say.

The Panthers are expected to release QB Baker Mayfield. He'll hit waivers when it's finalized later today.

Related Players: Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Carolina quarterbacks have been a dumpster fire this year and Mayfield will now have to find a new home for an improbable career resurgence. Like for the Panthers to come out of their bye week with Sam Darnold solidified as their quarterback down the stretch.

A QB change: Panthers will start QB Sam Darnold vs. the Broncos on Sunday.

Related players: P.J. Walker, Baker Mayfield

It will be a tough matchup against the Broncos for Darnold. And, it will tough to expect a lot more to the Panthers offense with this QB change, but it's worth noting for those in deeper supflex or two QB leagues. Owners of D.J. Moore can always hope this change will be the one to get him going, however.

P.J. Walker has a high ankle sprain. So Baker Mayfield will start at QB this week, Sam Darnold will be the backup.

The carousel of below-replacement-level quarterbacks continues in Carolina, as Mayfield will once again try his hand at helping make a cohesive offense. Any Panthers QB should be far off of your fantasy radar.

Wilks said it's tough to say when Panthers will activate Sam Darnold, whose 21-day window ends Tuesday.

Related players: P.J. Walker

If they don't activate him by then, he'll remain on IR, according to the tweet. Wilks said Darnold looks good, but points out he hasn't had game action (regular season) since the end of '21.

Steve Wilks says P.J. Walker will start this week at QB.

Related players: Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield

Walker wasn't impressive in Week 6 but the Panthers likely have no other choice here. Mayfield is still hurt and Darnold was just designated to return, but will need more time.

Sam Darnold (ankle) has been designated to return from injured reserve and will be able to practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Related players: Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker

Darnold now has 21 days to get ready. But given Mayfield's injury timetable and P.J. Walker's struggles last week, Darnold could end up starting in Week 7. It's a fluid situation at this point, but not one to get excited about in most fantasy leagues.

Panthers QB Baker Mayfield not going on IR as of now, leaving open the possibility he could be back within four games.

Related players: Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Mayfield received second opinions on his high ankle sprain that confirmed there’s no major damage and no surgery is needed, per sources, the tweet said. With Darnold still out, Walker is expected to get any starts Mayfield will miss. Outside of deep superflex leagues, Walker looks to be someone to stay away from right now in typical redraft leagues.

Not even a full day after losing Baker Mayfield for an indeterminate amount of time, Matt Rhule has been fired.

Related Players: P.J. Walker

Former XFL standout P.J. Walker is the presumed starter as of now for Week 6. Over his NFL career, he is 57-of-128 (57%) for 790 yards, two touchdowns, and eight interceptions, including a 60-0-0 line on six attempts on Sunday, while working in relief of Mayfield.