Carolina Sports News

Carolina Sports News

Panthers Notebook: Bryce Young Gets NFL Start Following Andy Dalton’s Automobile Accident

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — By accident, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is getting a second chance as a starter Sunday at the Denver Broncos. 

Five weeks after being benched, the 2021 Heisman trophy winner received word Monday night that starter Andy Dalton, his family and their dog were involved in an automobile crash in Charlotte. Everyone in both cars escaped serious injuries, Dalton said. 

However, the veteran quarterback sprained his right thumb and watched Young direct the first unit during Wednesday’s practice. He remains day-to-day as undrafted rookie Jack Plummer assumed the backup duties. 

“Thankful for the Lord’s protection through the whole situation,” said Dalton, who was picking up his three children from school when the collision occurred. “Obviously, a scary deal. Never want anything like that to happen, but thankful that everybody’s doing all right.” 

The injury created another opportunity for Young, who was anointed the starter not long after being the 2023 first-overall draft pick. His first season was a constant struggle after being under constant pressure. Sacked 62 times, Young completed just 38 percent of his passes when under pressure.  

His second appeared more of a struggle. 

Benched after two starts, Young ranked last among qualified signal-callers with a 9.1 adjusted quarterback rating and a 44.1 passer rating, according to Pro Football Reference. 

Coach Dave Canales said he was confident Young grew from the experience. 

“He’s been an absolute stud through this whole process,” Canales said. “He’s been engaged and involved in what we’re doing and excited about this opportunity. And I’m fired up for him to just have another opportunity to get in there and play some football.” 

Young said he felt comfortable jumping back into the No. 1 role. 

“It doesn’t feel different,” Young said. “It’s football. It’s a game, the same game that I’ve been playing and that we’ve been playing. Doing everything I can do to contribute and follow the game plan and all we can throughout the week to put ourselves in this situation.”   

Panthers Reinforcements Arriving En Masse 

As Canales walked to practice Wednesday, a reporter yelled out: “Getting the band back together again.” 

The Panthers coach grinned. 

At 1-6 and on a four-game losing streak, Canales finally had a reason to feel a bit relieved. Reinforcements awaited him on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday.  

Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen, safety Jordan Fuller and DJ Wonnum. A key free agent signing, Wonnum is expected to start at outside linebacker once he returns to form. 

Thielen and Fuller suffered hamstring injuries against the Las Vegas Raiders. They were placed on injured reserve Sept. 24. Wonnum, recuperating from offseason surgery, had been listed as physically unable to perform (PUP). 

Injured starters Jadeveon Clowney and Josey Jewell also participated in Wednesday’s practice. 

“Going back to work,” Canales said. 

Miles Sanders Showcases Kickoff Skills 

With the trade deadline approaching, running back Miles Sanders continues searching for ways to contribute to the Panthers since signing a four-year, $25.4 million contract before last season. 

A former 1,269-yard rusher, Sanders has compiled 564 yards in 20 games (five starts) with the Panthers. On Wednesday, he worked on fielding kickoffs. Sanders’ last experience as a kickoff returner came during his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 14 returns, he compiled 314 yards, including a 67-yarder. 

With rookie Jonathon Brooks returning from injury, NFL insiders predict Sanders will be traded before or on Election Day.

Canales on Wednesday credited Sanders for handling the distractions professionally. 

“He’s been taking returns now for a couple of weeks,” Canales said. “Just making sure he’s ready; he’s up on game days. One of my big challenges is to get Miles the football, too.  

“As far as all the other stuff, those are all hypothetical situations that we really have to focus on today.” 

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