Bryce Young ruled out, Panthers to start Andy Dalton vs. Seahawks: When could Young return?
Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young has been ruled out against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, the team announced. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Panthers will start veteran backup QB Andy Dalton in Young’s place.
- Carolina announced Thursday that Young was not expected to play Sunday after the No. 1 pick missed his second consecutive practice with an ankle injury sustained in a 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday.
- Carolina coach Frank Reich said doctors expect Bryce Young to miss one to two weeks with his sprained ankle.
Frank Reich said doctors expect Bryce Young to miss 1-2 weeks with his sprained ankle.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 22, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
When’s the earliest Young could return?
Reich said Young’s ankle has improved enough that he’ll make the trip to Seattle and there’s a possibility he’s available for next week’s home game against Minnesota. Reich said he would classify Young’s injury “in the ankle sprain category,” although no one is certain exactly when Young was hurt Monday night. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown thought it occurred in the first half of the loss to the Saints. At any rate, Reich said had a good week of rehab, saying he’s “optimistic he’s on the right path.”
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What does this mean for Dalton?
This scenario is precisely why the Panthers signed the 35-year-old Dalton to a two-year, $11 million contract in the offseason. Dalton has started 162 games and Reich said he’s well equipped to handle the crowd noise at Seattle’s Lumen Field, where Dalton has a 1-1 record. The Panthers’ downfield passing game has been virtually nonexistent but Dalton will be facing a Seattle defense ranked 31st in yards allowed (422 per game) and 29th in points allowed (30.5). But even if Dalton lights it up vs. Seattle, Reich said Young is the Panthers’ “guy” as soon as he’s cleared.
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(Photo: David Jensen / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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