Second-year quarterback Bryce Young will step back into the starting role for the Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos in Week 8 after Andy Dalton was injured in a car accident on Tuesday.
Dalton was with his family when the accident happened, but everyone in the car was able to avoid a trip to the hospital immediately afterward. However, Carolina’s medical personnel discovered that the veteran quarterback had sprained his thumb when they evaluated him later that day.
Dalton was unable to participate in the Panthers’ Wednesday practice session, and head coach Dave Canales announced after practice that Bryce Young would return as the starter under center.
‘We’ll be evaluating Andy day-to-day going into this weekend to see if we can get him up as the [No.] 2 [quarterback] on gameday,’ Canales told reporters Wednesday afternoon.
After the Panthers’ 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Canales told reporters that the team planned to stick with Dalton despite the four-game losing streak. The veteran quarterback’s injury forced the Panthers to change that plan.
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Why is Bryce Young starting against the Broncos?
Young is again taking over the starting quarterback duties after Dalton injured his thumb in a car accident on Tuesday. His matchup against the Broncos will be his first start since Week 2.
Canales told reporters Wednesday that everyone involved in the car accident was alright but that the veteran quarterback sprained his thumb. Dalton could not practice on Wednesday but will be evaluated throughout the week to potentially be active as Young’s backup come gameday.
Bryce Young stats
This year, Young was 0-2 as a starter. He had a 56.9% completion rate through two games while throwing for 299 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Young is 2-16 in his two-year career with a 59.5% completion rate, 3,176 passing yards, and 11 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.