Will QB Bryce Young play against the Bills? Panthers coach gives an update

Bryce Young’s Week 8 status is “doubtful,” according to the Carolina Panthers.

The third-year quarterback was sidelined throughout the week due to an ankle injury sustained in the 13-6 win over the New York Jets this past weekend. Young did not participate in Friday’s walkthrough.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales has routinely said that Young’s outlook is being reviewed on a “day to day” basis. Canales has declined to offer details on the injury diagnosis, though NFL Network and other outlets have reported that Young is dealing with a high-ankle sprain.

According to Canales, the Panthers will continue to monitor Young’s status this weekend. But his lack of work in practice seems to be an indication that the QB isn’t likely to suit up on Sunday (1 p.m. kickoff) against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium.

Which Panthers QB will start in place of Bryce Young?

Regardless of Young’s status, veteran QB Andy Dalton will start in his place against Buffalo, a team spokesperson confirmed.

Dalton replaced Young during the fourth quarter of the win over the Jets and led the offense on the game-sealing drive, which saw him complete a 33-yard pass to wideout Xavier Legette, before running down the clock to end the bout.

Dalton, 37, is sixth on the active passing yards list (39,618) and seventh on the active passing touchdowns list (254). He is tied with Hall of Fame QB Dan Fouts with the 26th-most touchdowns in NFL history. Dalton needs just two touchdown passes to leap Sonny Jurgensen (255) for the 25th-most touchdowns in league history, a feat that would appear to be relatively attainable in his next start.

Andy Dalton’s potential backup quarterbacks

The Panthers plan to use former Detroit Lions QB Hendon Hooker as Dalton’s immediate backup, according to Canales, if Young can’t play on Sunday. Hooker, a Greensboro native, has been on the team’s practice squad since the start of the season.

The Panthers also signed former Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins QB Mike White to the practice squad this week. White can’t be listed as an emergency third QB on Sunday unless he is promoted to the 53-man roster. Canales said that promotion could be an option if Young isn’t able to play.

No other Panthers players were listed on the injury status report.

This story was originally published October 24, 2025 at 12:54 PM.