By Brian Murphy, WRAL

Carolina Panthers
Denver Broncos
CBS | Sunday, October 27th 4:25 PM EDT

Former No. 1 pick Bryce Young will start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Denver, coach Dave Canales announced Wednesday.

Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, who has started the last five games for Carolina (1-6), injured his right thumb in a car accident Tuesday, Canales said.

“Unfortunately, in the accident, he did sprain his thumb,” Canales said. “So Bryce will be playing this week for us, and we’ll be evaluating Andy day-to-day going into this weekend to see if we can get him up as the two on game day.”

Dave Canales speaks to the media. https://t.co/hhDaeCfJ3P

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 23, 2024

Canales said Dalton’s injury is considered “day-to-day.” Dalton’s family was in the car with him and everyone emerged from the accident OK, outside of the thumb. Dalton was driving.

Dalton led the Panthers to a win in his first game as the starter, but Carolina has lost four consecutive games. That’s led to call for the team to go back to Young, who is in his second season.

Young threw for 161 yards with two interceptions in the season-opening loss to New Orleans. He threw for 84 yards and one interception in the a 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Young, who has made brief relief appearances in another two games, has yet to throw a touchdown this season.

“He’s excited about it,” Canales said. “He’s been an absolute stud through this whole process. He’s been engaged, involved in what we’re doing. He’s excited about this opportunity, and I’m fired up for him.”

Canales said Young has been engaged and had great football conversations since being demoted. Canales informed Young of the change Tuesday night.

“It’s great for him that he approached it with such class and integrity, this hard situation,” Canales said. “And now he gets to get back out there and play some football.”

Dalton has thrown seven touchdowns and six interceptions on the season, though his best game was his first one when he threw for 319 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against the Raiders.

In the Panthers’ 40-7 loss to Washington on Sunday, Dalton threw two first-quarter interceptions, one that was returned for a touchdown, and just 93 yards.

Source: wralsportsfan.com