Panthers to start Bryce Young against Broncos after Andy Dalton sustains injury in crash
The Carolina Panthers plan to start second-year quarterback Bryce Young against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, according to head coach Dave Canales.
The decision to go with Young at the top of the depth chart comes after starter Andy Dalton sustained a right thumb sprain during a minor car accident on Tuesday in Charlotte. Dalton was driving in the car with his family — including his wife, three children and their dog — during the crash.
None of the family members were hospitalized. Dalton was checked by team medical officials who are listing the veteran QB’s outlook as “day-to-day,” per Canales.
“All things considered, I’m glad that I’m feeling how I’m feeling,” Dalton said Wednesday. “I’m glad that my family is feeling how they’re feeling. I’m thankful for the Lord’s protection through this whole situation. Obviously, a scary deal — never want anything like that to happen. But thankful everybody is doing alright.”
Dalton said he was picking up his kids from school at the time of accident. He declined to get into the details of the incident, but he did say that he knew he had hurt his thumb pretty quickly.
“I thought something was up pretty quick,” Dalton said. “So, after going through the evaluation, I’m thankful that it is what it is, because it could have been worse.”
Following the medical check, Canales called Young with the news that the 23-year-old QB would be starting on the road in Week 8. Young said he was unaware of the crash when Canales phoned him with the lineup change.
“Me and Andy are super, super close, so I was just worried for him at the time,” Young said. “I’m glad that him and his family are OK — obviously, big picture-wise. That was really the first thing on my mind.”
Canales previously stated, on both Sunday and Monday, that Dalton would be the team’s starting QB against Denver. Canales has often stated that Dalton gives the Panthers the best chance to win.
But Canales noted his excitement to see Young starting again following Wednesday’s announcement.
“Honestly, I’ve been excited about Bryce getting his opportunity, because he’s worked so hard, and he’s been engaged this whole time,” Canales said. “So for me, it was like, I see the challenge, I know the challenge of this for Andy, and for our group, that we’re trying to continue to build chemistry ... and cohesiveness. But at the same time, again, like all the other guys we talk about, who have to step up and go, these are beautiful opportunities for people to come in and pursue their dreams.”
The Panthers have lost four consecutive games with Dalton under center following an initial blowout win against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. Young has a 2-16 record in his 18 starts through two seasons.
Young appeared in the fourth quarter of two blowout losses during his time behind Dalton in the lineup. Otherwise, he’s been parked on the sideline for the past month, getting his practice reps with the scout team during the work week.
“Just trying to get as many mental reps as I could,” Young said about his time on the sideline. “Obviously, having a ton of conversations with Andy, because I always have with my time here, but again, just a different perspective. But just trying to get mental reps on the sideline over the past couple of weeks.”
Young, who has thrown for 299 yards and three interceptions this season, will face the league’s fifth-ranked pass defense on Sunday. The Broncos are allowing just 170.7 yards per game through the air.
“It shows up on film,” Young said. “Really good players, really good scheme. You can tell they play well together. Confident — do a lot of different things well, communicate well. So, for us, it’s a great challenge.
“We have a ton of respect for them. We know it’s going to take everything. We’ve got to bring our best and work throughout the week. So, again, we’re going to try to control what we can throughout the week, and we know we have to be at our best.”
This story was originally published October 23, 2024 at 3:22 PM.
