Quarterback Baker Mayfield insisted Thursday he’s committed to the Carolina Panthers even though he may have lost his starting job to P.J. Walker.

“We all want to play,” Mayfield admitted as the 2-5 Panthers prepare to start Walker at the 3-4 Atlanta Falcons this Sunday, as shared by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “That’s the nature of this business, that’s the nature of playing sports. My role right now is to help us win any way I can and that’s helping out in the QB room and doing scout team stuff and trying to get under their skin on defense. I’m enjoying what I’m doing right now. Obviously, I’d like to be out there, but P.J. played his ass off and deserves to go out there again and play. I’ll do whatever I can to help this team win.” 

Mayfield hasn’t played since he went down with a left ankle sprain against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 9. Meanwhile, Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks has suggested multiple times this month that Mayfield, Walker, and Sam Darnold could compete for the right to start games moving forward. Per Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire/USA Today, Mayfield is expected to be active against the Falcons. 

“I want to be here,” Mayfield responded when asked if he’d like to go elsewhere before Tuesday’s trade deadline. 

The first pick of the 2018 NFL Draft traded by the Cleveland Browns to Carolina in July may not have much of a choice. Mayfield disappointed with his performances before his setback and before Carolina head coach Matt Rhule was shown the door on Oct. 10, and ESPN stats show the 27-year-old is currently 33rd among eligible signal-callers with a 71.9 passer rating and last with a 15.3 total QBR on the campaign. 

Mayfield will continue his recovery from the ankle-related issue ahead of the matchup at the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 6.