Carolina Panthers’ Rookie Quarterback Bryce Young to Miss 1-2 Weeks, Andy Dalton Starting
By David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer
Sep 22, 2023, 01:13 PM ET
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers’ rookie quarterback Bryce Young will be sidelined for one to two weeks due to a sprained ankle he suffered in Monday night’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, according to coach Frank Reich. As a result, veteran Andy Dalton will step in as the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite the Panthers’ 0-2 start under Young, Reich has made it clear that the former Alabama star will regain his starting position once he is healthy, regardless of Dalton’s performance. Reich did not rule out Young’s return for next week’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings, as Young has already been cleared to travel to Seattle.
“Bryce has done well this week,” Reich said. “I’m optimistic he’s on the right path. Whatever the soonest he can get back is, he will get back. And when he gets back, he’ll be our guy.”
Reich expressed confidence in Dalton, referring to him as one of the “32 best quarterbacks in the NFL.”
“This guy [is] playing at a high level,” Reich said. “The way he’s throwing the football, the way he works through progressions, the way he’s playing the game… since day one, when he’s walked through the door, I said he’s starter worthy.”
Dalton, who is looking forward to the opportunity to start, understands that his role is to help shape Young’s career.
“It’s always nice because I have had a certain way of operating in my career, and when you go from starting to being the backup, that is one of the things that you miss,” he said. “When you get a chance to take ownership of what you’re doing, and to know how you want it to look and how you want it to feel and see it executed, that is what makes football fun.”
Dalton has faced the Seahawks in Seattle twice before, with a 1-1 record. However, he is well aware of Seattle’s reputation for having one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.
“This is one of those places that first hits your brain,” Dalton said. “It can become a factor in the game if you let it. But that is where you have to make sure you are communicating well.”
Dalton will be going up against a Seattle team that currently ranks 31st in total defense, allowing 422 yards per game. The Seahawks have struggled particularly against the pass, giving up an average of 325 yards per game, ranking them 30th in the league.
Dalton believes that the best way he can contribute to the offense is by being himself.
“Pushing guys, pushing the tempo, and doing everything we need to do to give ourselves a chance,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’ve hurt ourselves. We’ve had an opportunity to change the outcome, but we had some turnovers that hurt us and different things.”
“For me, I’m just going out there and trying to be as efficient as I can.”
As Dalton prepares to take the field against the Seahawks, he will have the support of his teammates and coaching staff. The Panthers are hopeful that Dalton’s experience and leadership will help guide them to their first win of the season.
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In conclusion, the Carolina Panthers will be without rookie quarterback Bryce Young for the next one to two weeks due to a sprained ankle. Andy Dalton will step in as the starting quarterback in Young’s absence. Coach Frank Reich has expressed confidence in Dalton’s abilities and believes he is capable of leading the team to victory. Dalton is excited about the opportunity and plans to be efficient and push the tempo on offense. The Panthers are hopeful that Dalton’s experience and leadership will help them secure their first win of the season.