Report sheds light on Panthers’ plan for Bryce Young

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young has his starting job back with the Carolina Panthers following an injury to Andy Dalton, and it sounds like there is a lot at stake for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Dalton was involved in a car accident on Tuesday and suffered a minor thumb injury. While the veteran could still be active against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Panthers head coach Dave Canales has said Young will start.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Young has a “real chance” to remain Carolina’s starter after Week 8 if he plays well against the Broncos.

Dalton gave the Panthers a huge boost when he took over in Week 3. The 36-year-old threw for 319 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions in a 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Dalton has thrown 4 touchdowns compared to 6 interceptions since then. He was 11/16 for just 93 yards, no touchdowns and 2 picks in a 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders last week.

Rapoport reported a month ago that the Panthers still planned to have Young start again at some point in 2024 despite benching him after just two games. Dalton’s injury may have accelerated the timeline, but it is possible Canales was going to give Young another shot in the near future anyway.

Young has thrown for 299 yards, no touchdowns and 3 interceptions this season. Canales has praised the former Alabama star for the way he handled the benching. The hope is that Young will benefit from having been forced to take a step back.