Bryce Young is no longer Carolina’s starting quarterback, but the Panthers aren’t ready to let him go.
That was the message Wednesday from Carolina coach Dave Canales, who announced two days earlier that veteran Andy Dalton would start this week against the host Las Vegas Raiders.
Young and the Panthers (0-2) lost 26-3 to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, leaving the second-year quarterback with just two wins in 18 NFL starts. Carolina selected the former Heisman Trophy winner out of Alabama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Asked if the Panthers are ready to trade Young to another team, Canales said, “It’s not something we’re seriously considering. We have a great situation with our quarterbacks right now, with players who are experienced. We love the situation that we’re in and everyone has to get to work.”
Canales praised Young’s effort as the No. 2 quarterback on Wednesday.
“Back to work,” the coach said. “He got into the game plan. We had our conversations in the QB room, talking about reads, talking about what we see from the defense. Then he had a great day on the field, some great throws.
“He went right back to work, which is exactly what I expected.”
The coach added regarding Young’s future: “This is a developmental program, so the development didn’t stop (when he was removed from the starting role). Every rep he’s in, we evaluate everything, we have conversations and we continue to push all of our guys, including Bryce, to take the next step.”
Dalton, 36, spent nine seasons as a starter with the Cincinnati Bengals and has since played with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Carolina. The three-time Pro Bowler has attempted just one pass this year and it was incomplete.
The question on every fan’s mind now is: Can Dalton lead the Panthers to their first victory of the season, or will we see Young fighting back to reclaim his spot? Stay tuned! The NFL drama continues to unfold.
