Carolina Panthers' Quarterback Situation
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are closely monitoring the status of their starting quarterback, Bryce Young, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Young participated in full practice for the second consecutive day, which has raised hopes that he might be available to play in the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
This development comes as backup quarterback Andy Dalton revealed that he is dealing with a broken thumb, adding another layer of complexity to the team's quarterback situation. Young missed the previous week's game against the Buffalo Bills due to a sprained ankle, and his return remains uncertain.
Coach’s Silence and Injury Report
Panthers head coach Dave Canales typically does not address the media on Thursdays during a regular game week, so he did not provide any updates on Young’s condition. However, the team is expected to release its official injury report on Friday, which will offer more clarity on the status of both Young and Dalton.
Despite the lack of direct communication from the coaching staff, Young shared some positive feedback after Thursday’s practice. He stated that he “feels good” and emphasized that he is continuing to improve each day. However, he did not give a definitive answer on whether he will be able to play in the upcoming game.
“I'm listening to the doctors and I will do whatever it takes to play,” Young said. “I want to play, of course. But I don't have a medical degree, so I'm going to default to them.”
Young’s Recent Performance
Before his injury, Young had been performing well, winning three consecutive starts against the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Jets. His performance was cut short during the Jets game when he injured his ankle in the second half and did not return to the field.
Young has shown promise this season, completing 61.6% of his passes for 1,288 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also contributed on the ground, rushing 18 times for 69 yards and one touchdown.
Dalton’s Struggles and Injury
Meanwhile, backup quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Young in the previous game but struggled significantly. In a 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Dalton turned the ball over three times and was sacked seven times. After practice, Dalton revealed that he had broken his throwing hand’s thumb during the game against the Bills.
When asked about how the injury affected his performance, Dalton said, “I'm not going to use that as an excuse for anything. Obviously, I would love for my thumb not to be broken, but it is what it is.”
Despite the injury, Dalton was able to practice on a limited basis after sitting out on Wednesday. He mentioned that he can still grip the football and believes he could play through the pain if needed.
Backup Plan in Place
To prepare for any potential setbacks, the Panthers promoted quarterback Mike White from the practice squad on Wednesday. This move ensures that the team has additional depth at the quarterback position, especially with Young and Dalton both facing injuries.
Looking Ahead
As the Panthers gear up for their game against the Green Bay Packers, the team will be closely watching the progress of both Young and Dalton. The outcome of their recovery efforts could significantly impact the team’s performance on Sunday.
