Carolina Panthers' Quarterback Situation Ahead of Key Matchup
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, the Carolina Panthers find themselves in a tight race for an NFC playoff spot. Currently sitting at 4-4, the team has several crucial games scheduled throughout November. However, their path to contention has been complicated by injuries at the quarterback position.
Bryce Young, the team's starting quarterback, suffered an injury during a game against the New York Jets. This setback forced the Panthers to turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton for the matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, Dalton also faced his own injury, sustaining a thumb issue during Week 8.
With these challenges, the Panthers now have a limited quarterback depth chart heading into their Week 9 game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Current Depth Chart
Here is the current list of quarterbacks on the Panthers' roster:
- Bryce Young
- Andy Dalton
- Mike White
Bryce Young: A Promising Start with Setbacks
Before his injury, Young was showing signs of being a key player for the Panthers in his third season in the NFL. In seven games, he had thrown for 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His performance was a positive indicator for the team's offensive strategy.
Young missed the Panthers' Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills but was listed as a full participant in practice ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Packers. His return could provide a much-needed boost to the team's offense.
Andy Dalton: Veteran Experience with Challenges
Despite limited game action this season, Dalton took over as the starter for the Panthers in the Week 8 game against the Bills. In that contest, he completed 16 of 24 passes for 175 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The loss was a tough one for the team, with a final score of 40-9.
Dalton is currently dealing with a broken thumb and practiced on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session. He confirmed the injury in a media interview, stating that he played through it against the Bills. This is not the first time Dalton has had to overcome adversity; in 2024, he started five games before the team returned to Young.
Mike White: A New Addition to the Roster
In response to the quarterback injuries, the Panthers called up Mike White to the active roster on Thursday. White has a history of strong performances when given the opportunity.
His most notable professional moment came in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 31, 2021, where he made his debut as a starter. In that game, White completed 37 of 45 passes for 405 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. His passer rating of 107.9 highlighted his potential as a capable quarterback.
White has appeared in eight games for the New York Jets in 2021 and 2022. Since then, he has played sparingly for both the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, making his recent call-up a significant development for the Panthers.
Looking Ahead
With Young potentially returning and White stepping in as a backup, the Panthers will need to manage their quarterback situation carefully. The upcoming game against the Packers will be a critical test for the team's depth and resilience. How they handle this challenge could determine their chances of securing a playoff berth.