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It is officially official now.
The Arizona Cardinals will face hometown product Kyle Allen when they take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at State Farm Stadium.
The #Panthers say that QB Cam Newton (foot) is out this weekend, as expected, and QB Kyle Allen is starting.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2019
It has been expected all week, but now it is real.
Allen played in two games in 2018 as an undrafted rookie, starting in one.
He has put up solid numbers, 20/31 64.5% for 266 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
While his numbers look good, it was clearly not enough for the Panthers to trust Allen as more than a backup, as they drafted rookie Will Grier, who will serve as Allen’s backup in this game, in the third round in the 2019 NFL Draft.
As veteran NFL man Gil Brandt said, Allen’s journey to get to this start, in his hometown had to be just the way he expected:
Last 6 years for Kyle Allen:
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) September 20, 2019
2014: True freshman starter at Texas A&M
2015: Benched for Kyler Murray
2016: Transfer to Houston
2017: Starter, benched for Kyle Postma
2018: Signed by Panthers as UDFA
2019: Starter in hometown in Week 3, facing Murray
Just how he drew it up
Allen has a chance to show he belongs in the league for a long time, while the Cardinals get a young and unproven backup at home.
Let’s hope it works out well for the Cardinals.