Bryce Young threw his first career touchdown pass against zone coverage in Week 10 against the Giants.

Remains starter after bye week

Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Young will remain the team's starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: After a five-game benching earlier in the season, Young returned to the starting lineup Week 8, when Andy Dalton was unavailable after suffering a thumb injury in a car accident. Though Dalton was cleared to resume playing Week 9, Young proceeded to start in both of the Panthers' final two games prior to their Week 11 bye, guiding Carolina to wins over the Saints and Giants while completing 60.8 percent of his passes for 5.8 yards per attempt and a 2:1 TD:INT between those two victories. While…read more

Modest numbers in OT victory

Young completed 15 of 25 passes for 126 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions while adding two rushes for 30 yards in the Panthers' 20-17 overtime win over the Giants in Munich on Sunday.

Analysis: Young once again carried out a very conservative game plan that saw him average a miniscule 5.0 yards per attempt, but the embattled second-year pro stayed away from any turnovers and mostly rode the coattails of Chuba Hubbard, who put together a career-best effort on the ground. Young hit rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders from five yards out in the first quarter for his one touchdown pass, and the former has clearly shown improvement in his second go-around as the starting quarterback…read more

Named Week 10 starter

Young will start Sunday's game against the Giants in Munich, but Panthers had coach Dave Canales was unwilling to commit to the quarterback continuing to start beyond Week 10, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: In other words, the Panthers are still viewing the quarterback position as a week-to-week situation, with Young perpetually a bad game or two away from turning the offense back over to veteran Andy Dalton. The 23-year-old will make his third consecutive start this Sunday, after pulling off a 23-22 win over the Saints in Week 9 to improve his career record as a starter to 3-17.

Likely getting another start

Young appears likely to start this Sunday against the Giants in Munich, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Panthers haven't yet named a starter, with general manager Dan Morgan deferring the decision to head coach Dave Canales. However, Newton suggests that "everything points toward Young starting his third straight game." Last year's No. 1 overall pick earned his third career win this past Sunday, albeit with a modest passing line (16-of-26 for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception) in a 23-22 victory over the injury-riddled Saints. Andy Dalton was active for the contest as a backup,…read more

Helps lead rare victory

Young completed 16 of 26 passes for 171 yards with a touchdown and an interception and rushed four times for nine yards in the Panthers' 23-22 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: Young logged a second consecutive start and helped lead the Panthers to only their second win of the season, putting together a serviceable performance that included a three-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Legette in the second quarter. Young also had a critical 26-yard completion to Legette on Carolina's game-winning drive, and given his second straight encouraging performance, he'll presumably hold on to the top job for a Week 10 matchup against the Giants in Germany.

Named starter for Week 9

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Young will start Sunday against the Saints, despite Andy Dalton (thumb) returning to practice as a full participant, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Young threw his first touchdowns of the season during Carolina's 28-14 loss to the Broncos in Week 8, finishing the game with 24 completions on 37 attempts for 224 yards and two interceptions. The Panthers' top wideout, Diontae Johnson (rib), was inactive for that contest and was then traded to the Ravens on Tuesday, but Carolina could get Adam Thielen (hamstring) back from injured reserve this weekend. Even with a lack of experienced pass-catching options at his disposal Week 8, Young showed…read more

Tosses first TDs of season

Young completed 24 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Broncos. He added six rushing yards on three carries.

Analysis: In his return to the starting lineup, the second-year quarterback put together his best performance of the season. Young connected with Xavier Legette on a six-yard score in the first quarter for his first TD pass of the year and then found Jalen Coker for a 15-yard strike in the fourth quarter. His 224 passes yards also were a season high. Young's two INTs highlight how far he has to go to be viewed as a reliable option under center, but Sunday's effort at least was something he'll be able to…read more

Could start beyond Week 8

Young will start Sunday's game against the Broncos in place of the injured Andy Dalton (thumb), and the second-year quarterback could have the opportunity to keep the starting job beyond this week if he plays well in Denver, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Even though he was benched after leading the Panthers to uncompetitive losses in the first two games of 2024, Young was always expected to get another look in a starting role before the end of the season after getting some extended time to watch from the bench. However, with Dalton spraining his thumb in a car accident Tuesday and being listed as doubtful for the Week 8 contest, Young will return to the starting role perhaps a bit sooner than anticipated. While serving as the Panthers'…read more

Starting Week 8 with Dalton hurt

Head coach Dave Canales announced Wednesday that Young will start Sunday's game in Denver over Andy Dalton (thumb), Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Young will get a chance at redemption after being benched in favor of Dalton in Week 3. The second-year quarterback failed to throw a touchdown pass in two games prior to his benching, but with Dalton coming off a dreadful showing in this past Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Commanders, Young has a chance to reclaim the starting role moving forward if he shows improvement against the Broncos. Dalton doesn't have a firm return timetable after spraining his thumb in a car accident Tuesday.

Enters late in blowout loss

Young completed both of his pass attempts for minus-4 yards in Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Commanders.

Analysis: The second-year signal-caller replaced Andy Dalton as the Panthers were down by 33 points on the team's final offensive drive and proceeded to complete a two-yard pass followed by a completion for minus-6 yards, leading to yet another three-and-out. When head coach Dave Canales was asked about Young potentially starting Week 8 against the Broncos, he told reporters that the Panthers are still committed to Dalton this week, explaining that the offense has been more fluid and even explosive at…read more

Fares well in garbage time

Young completed four of seven pass attempts for 58 yards and took one carry for eight yards in Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Bears.

Analysis: With the Panthers trailing by 26 points late in the fourth quarter, head coach Dave Canales turned the offense over to Young, who made his first appearance since losing his starting role to veteran Andy Dalton in Week 3. Though the Bears' big lead may have resulted in him facing vanilla defensive schemes, Young drew praise for his brief cameo, with Canales saying the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft did a "fantastic job," per David Newton of ESPN.com. Canales relayed that Dalton will…read more

Expected to start again in 2024

The Panthers eventually expect to restore Young as their starting quarterback, though a timeline for him to reclaim the job from veteran Andy Dalton hasn't been established, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Analysis: Young was sent to the bench after completing 31 of 56 pass attempts for 245 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions while taking six sacks in the Panthers' first two games, non-competitive losses to the Saints and Chargers. Though Young has now gone just 2-16 as a starter since entering the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Panthers apparently aren't yet ready to pull the plug on developing the 23-year-old. According to sources familiar with the situation, Rapoport…read more

Drawing trade interest

Young has received trade interest from several teams despite Panthers coach Dave Canales saying the organization doesn't intend to move the second-year quarterback, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Young has struggled thus far in 2024, completing just 31 of 56 passes for 245 yards and a 0:3 TD:INT while rushing five times for 18 yards and a touchdown through two games (both losses). Carolina decided to bench Young for Week 3 in favor of veteran Andy Dalton in hope of getting the team's offense going, but Canales said this week that trading the 23-year-old is not currently a consideration for the Panthers. Still, it's not surprising that other organizations have reached out to gauge…read more

Not on trade block

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that trading Young is "not something we're really considering," David Newton of ESPN.com reports. "We have a great situation with our quarterbacks right now with guys that have experience," Canales said. "We love where we are at, and it's all hands on deck."

Analysis: After the Panthers were outscored 73-13 over the first two weeks of the season, Canales made the decision to pull the plug on Young, tabbing steady veteran Andy Dalton to replace the 2023 No. 1 overall pick as the team's starting quarterback. In the two losses, Young failed to show any noticeable sign of improvement from his rough rookie season, completing just 31 of 56 passes (55.4 percent) for 245 yards (4.4 YPA), zero touchdowns and three interceptions. Only 10 of his 56 throws produced a…read more

Benched in favor of Dalton

The Panthers decided Monday to bench Young and start veteran Andy Dalton beginning Week 3 versus the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Panthers coach Dave Canales called Young "our quarterback" after Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Chargers, but after a disastrous rookie year, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick now will head to the bench just two games into his sophomore season. Carolina will turn to Dalton after an 0-2 start with the hopes of finding some type of rhythm on offense, with Young having thrown for just 245 passing yards combined, three interceptions and no touchdowns in that span. It's unclear whether the Panthers will…read more

Set to keep starting job

Head coach Dave Canales said after Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Chargers that Young will remain the team's starting quarterback heading into the Panthers' Week 3 matchup with the Raiders, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. "Bryce is our quarterback,'' Canales said. "We're going to continue to shore and fix the things we need to fundamentally, from a scheme standpoint, all those things."

Analysis: After a rough rookie year, Young hasn't shown any sign of improvement in his sophomore campaign under the watch of Canales, who was hired as Carolina's head coach this offseason after he helped coax a career-best season out of Baker Mayfield while serving as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator in 2023. The Panthers haven't been competitive in losses to the Saints and Chargers to begin the season, with Young completing just 31 of 56 pass attempts (55.4 percent) for 245 yards (4.4 YPA), no…read more

Another forgettable performance

Young completed 18 of 26 passes for 84 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while adding one carry for six yards in the Panthers' 26-3 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

Analysis: Young's final line looks deceptively efficient, but with an average of only 3.2 yards per attempt, the high completion rate was meaningless. Young once again frequently looked indecisive and under duress, and he's now thrown for only 245 combined yards through his first two games while generating an 0:3 TD:INT. Head coach Dave Canales, who essentially was brought in to help turn Young's career around, figures to stick with the 2023 first overall pick for the time being, but heading into a Week…read more

Rough start to sophomore season

Young completed 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions in Sunday's 47-10 rout at the hands of the Saints. He added 12 rushing yards and a touchdown on four carries.

Analysis: The rushing TD salvaged some fantasy value for the second-year QB, but Young looked no better as a passer in the 2024 season opener than he did in his disastrous rookie campaign. Building the 2023 first overall pick back up is a long-term project for Dave Canales and the Panthers' new coaching staff, but it didn't get off to an encouraging start. Young will try to shake off this performance and keep his team in the game in Week 2 against the Chargers.

Tosses TD on lone drive Saturday

Young completed six of eight passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 31-26 preseason win over the Bills.

Analysis: Young was effective on his only drive in the game, converting a 4th-and-3 with a 17-yard pass to Diontae Johnson before connecting with tight end Jordan Matthews for an eight-yard touchdown. Those are two of the offseason additions to a new-look Panthers passing game under new head coach Dave Canales. The Panthers are hoping these changes will help Young bounce back from an underwhelming rookie season in which he threw for only 2,877 yards and an 11:10 TD:INT. The 2023 first overall pick will…read more

Scheduled to play Saturday

Young and other starters are scheduled to play in Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coach Dave Canales wants to use the final exhibition as a dress rehearsal after resting his starters for the first two weeks of the preseason. It'll be the only opportunity to see Young in a game setting before Carolina's Week 1 road matchup with the Saints.

Not playing Saturday

Young isn't in line to play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Jets, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Young thus will have one more chance to handle some game action during exhibition season next Saturday in Buffalo. With Andy Dalton also not suiting up this weekend, Jack Plummer and Jake Luton will be the available signal-callers for the Panthers. Once Week 1 rolls around, Young will be looking to bounce back from a forgettable rookie campaign in 2023 in which he passed for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, rushed for 253 yards and fumbled 11 times (six lost) in 16…read more

Won't play Thursday

Young won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Coach Dave Canales previously said Young might not play at all this preseason and now has confirmed the QB will be held out for the first exhibition. With Andy Dalton nursing a quad injury and also unavailable, the Panthers will rely on Jack Plummer and recent signee Jake Luton -- a situation that seemingly sets up Plummer for a lot of playing time.

May not play at all in preseason

Coach Dave Canales said Monday there's "a chance" Young won't suit up for any of Carolina's preseason games, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Young is unlikely to suit up for Thursday's preseason opener against New England, per David Newton of ESPN.com, particularly with backup Andy Dalton (hamstring) already sidelined. Rookie Jack Plummer could realistically start Thursday's preseason game, and Carolina inked Jake Luton on Monday to provide extra depth. Rookie first-round wideout Xavier Legette (foot) also seems unlikely for Thursday, so though it would benefit Young to get some reps in with new center Austin Corbett, as well as new…read more

Surrounding cast improves

Young appears primed to benefit from improved surroundings on offense Year 2, with the Panthers adding names like wide receiver Diontae Johnson and guard Robert Hunt in free agency, David Newton of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Young is coming off a completely forgettable rookie campaign, having completed just 315 of 527 pass attempts for 2,877 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions across 16 regular-season games. He surpassed 200 yards in just five of those contests. A real part of the blame must fall on Carolina's mediocre offensive personnel and scheme, and things already appear to be improving under new head coach Dave Canales. Trading for Diontae Johnson provides Young with a versatile and trustworthy No. 1…read more

Forgettable end to season Sunday

Young completed 11 of 18 passes for 94 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed twice for 24 yards in the Panthers' 9-0 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Young also took three sacks and finished with a quarterback rating of 39.1, a microcosm of his utterly forgettable rookie season. The first overall pick once again had trouble pushing the ball down the field, as he averaged only 5.2 yards per attempt, and his yardage total was a season low. Young finished with under 200 passing yards in all but five of his 16 games while throwing just 11 touchdowns and tossing 10 interceptions. There's hope a new coaching staff and offense -- not to mention…read more

Regresses in Week 17 loss

Young completed 19 of 32 passes for 112 yards with no touchdowns and one interception and added one rush for two yards in the Panthers' 26-0 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: A week after throwing for a career-best 312 yards and two touchdowns, Young endured a completely forgettable performance that saw him take six sacks while producing his lowest passing yardage total yet. Young has now thrown for under 200 yards in eight of his last nine contests, and he'll have one more chance to move the needle on the perception that he may have been a mistake as the first overall pick when the Panthers close out the season at home against the Buccaneers in Week 18.

Career-best game in loss

Young completed 23 of 35 passes for 312 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the Panthers' 33-30 loss to the Packers on Sunday. He also rushed four times for 17 yards and fumbled once but recovered.

Analysis: The Panthers appeared to be on the way to another lopsided loss aft halftime, when they already trailed 23-10. However, Young was able to lead a 14-play, 72-yard drive in the third quarter that culminated in a Chuba Hubbard rushing touchdown while the defense kept the Packers off the board during the period. Young then came alive in the fourth quarter, tossing 11- and 10-yard touchdown passes to DJ Chark to get Carolina within striking distance. The rookie first overall pick then hit Chark and…read more

Free of turnovers in win

Young completed 18 of 24 passes for 167 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed four times for nine yards in the Panthers' 9-7 win over the Falcons on Sunday. He also fumbled once but recovered.

Analysis: Young oversaw another mostly abysmal offensive day for the Panthers, but he at least managed to avoid turnovers and was able to help guide his team to just their second win of the campaign with five completions on a game-winning 17-play march. The rookie first overall pick hit eight different targets overall, despite the fact his pass-attempt total was the lowest of his brief career. Young's efficiency was an especially welcome sight after he completed just 41.8 percent of his passes over the…read more

Struggles continue in Week 14 loss

Young completed 13 of 36 passes for 137 yards and rushed three times for 40 yards in Sunday's 28-6 loss to the Saints. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Young had a putrid first half, even by the modest standards he has established in an underwhelming rookie season. Carolina took a 14-3 deficit into the locker room, as Young completed just three of 15 passes for 29 yards, in addition to losing a fumble. He was only marginally better in the second half, as the Panthers failed to score a touchdown and dropped to 1-12. A small silver lining for Young is that he finished just one rushing yard shy of his career high, but the disappointment in the…read more

Another rough outing

Young completed 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards and an interception in Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Buccaneers. He also ran in a two-point conversion.

Analysis: The rookie quarterback had a chance to put together a game-tying or game-winning drive on the Panthers' final possession, but Antoine Winfield picked off a pass intended for Adam Thielen on fourth-and-one. It's the fifth straight game in which Young failed to reach 200 passing yards and his fourth straight with a completion rate below 60 percent, and Carolina's coaching changes didn't have much impact on his performance. Young will take a disappointing 9:9 TD:INT through his first 11 NFL games…read more

Struggles to move offense in loss

Young completed 18 of 31 passes for 194 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Titans.

Analysis: The Panthers ran a run-heavy gameplan to take some pressure off Young, but he struggled when called upon. He averaged only 6.3 yards per attempt, took four sacks and also lost a fumble. To make matters worse, Young has now failed to top 200 passing yards in four consecutive games and has two touchdowns, four interceptions and two lost fumbles in that span.

Trouble with turnovers again

Young completed 16 of 29 passes for 123 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the Panthers' 33-10 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday. He also rushed twice for three yards and lost a fumble.

Analysis: Young once again turned in a very underwhelming performance through the air, averaging only 4.2 yards per attempt and primarily focusing on Adam Thielen when dropping back. The veteran receiver was responsible for half of Young's completions and 74 of his passing yards, with the first overall pick repeatedly running into trouble, including tossing pick-six, when trying to focus on his other pass catchers. Young has now thrown for under 200 yards in three consecutive games while mustering a 2:4…read more

Reich calling plays again

Young will be receiving plays Sunday against the Cowboys from head coach Frank Reich, who has reclaimed the play-calling duties for Week 11, Jay Glazer reported on "Fox NFL Sunday."

Analysis: Glazer added that Reich is on the hot seat, despite being in his first season as Carolina's head coach. Young's lack of development through the first 10 weeks of the season has likely been a factor in Carolina's decision to take a closer look at Reich's job status.

Struggles again in Week 10 loss

Young completed 21 of 38 passes for 185 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed three times for 18 yards in the Panthers' 16-13 loss to the Bears on Thursday night.

Analysis: Young fell short of the 200-yard mark through the air for the second straight contest, and although he avoided turnovers after a three-interception tally Week 9, he still was mostly ineffective. The Panthers punted in six of their first seven possessions, and their longest march, a 15-play drive in the fourth quarter, ended in a missed would-be game-tying 59-yard field-goal attempt. Young will have an uphill battle trying to right the ship in a Week 11 home matchup against the Cowboys on…read more

Awful performance in loss

Young completed 24 of 39 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions in Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Colts. He added 41 rushing yards on five carries.

Analysis: While three picks were bad enough, the fact that two of them were returned for touchdowns by Kenny Moore -- one for 49 yards in the second quarter and the second for 66 yards in the fourth -- ensured the Panthers had no hope of mounting a comeback. Young continues to experience significant growing pains as a rookie, and he's tossed multiple TDs only once in his first seven NFL starts while being intercepted multiple times on three occasions, leaving him with an 8:7 TD:INT. Joe Person of The…read more

Gets first NFL win

Young completed 22 of 31 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 15-13 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Matched up against C.J. Stroud, the player taken immediately after him in the 2023 NFL Draft, Young came out on top in a tight defensive battle to get his first win as a pro. The Alabama product's 7.6 YPA was his best mark of the season, and Young's 40-yard completion to Jonathan Mingo on Carolina's first drive of the second half was the longest of both rookies' careers. With his numbers slowly improving, Young could have value outside of two-QB formats in Week 9 against a Colts team that has…read more

Another inefficient showing

Young completed 23 of 38 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 42-21 loss to the Dolphins.

Analysis: Young got the Carolina offense on track early, leading touchdown drives on two of the team's first three possessions. On those two drives, he accounted for 74 yards and appeared to be showing signs of progress in his fifth career NFL game. Things stalled from there, however, as Young ended up averaging only 5.7 yards per attempt. Positively, he didn't turn the ball over for the first time in his rookie campaign and has now topped 200 passing yards in three consecutive contests.

Late touchdowns in loss

Young completed 25 of 41 passes for 247 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday's 42-24 loss to the Lions. He also rushed once for four yards.

Analysis: Young's two turnovers both led to Detroit touchdowns, digging Carolina an 18-point deficit by halftime. Although he was able to salvage some production in the fourth quarter with touchdown tosses to DJ Chark and Adam Thielen, Young's career-best yardage and TD totals came in a sizeable loss. The rookie could very well find himself playing from behind yet again in Week 6 at the Dolphins.

Costly fumble in return

Young completed 25 of 32 passes for 204 yards in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. He also rushed twice for 10 yards but was sacked five times and had a fumble returned for a touchdown.

Analysis: Young returned from his one-week absence to post personal bests in completions and passing yards, but his performance wasn't enough to earn a first victory. In fact, Young's fumble during the third quarter saw Carolina fall behind and never recover. Without any touchdowns, either, it was another learning experience for the rookie No. 1 pick.

Set to play after full practice

Young (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday, putting him on track to start Sunday's game against the Vikings, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Carolina's passing game fared better Week 3 with Andy Dalton stepping in for the injured Young in a 37-27 loss to Seattle, though Dalton drew a more favorable matchup than the rookie had in Weeks 1 and 2, when he faced Atlanta and New Orleans. Now ostensibly healthy, Young will get his shot at taking on a struggling defense, facing a Vikings pass defense that has given up 27.3 points and 261.7 passing yards per game through the first three weeks of the season.

In line to practice

Young (ankle) will practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Young missed last weekend's loss to the Seahawks due to an ankle sprain, but he'll practice in some capacity as the Panthers begin Week 4 prep. For his part, head coach Frank Reich said Young tested his ankle Tuesday and is making progress as Sunday's game against the Vikings approaches. The extent of Young's participation in Wednesday's practice won't be known until the Panthers issue their first Week 4 injury report later in the day, but the rookie signal-caller appears to be trending in the…read more

Should be back Week 4 or 5

Young (ankle) won't play Sunday in Seattle but is expected back for Week 4 against Minnesota or Week 5 at Detroit, Augusta Stone of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Coach Frank Reich made it clear he doesn't expect Young to be out long, despite missing every practice the team held this week. Andy Dalton will start against the Seahawks this Sunday, which might actually be an upgrade for Carolina's pass catchers given the way Young has struggled so far. It's a two-game sample, to be fair, and Young will return to the starting job once he's healthy even if the offense looks better with Dalton at the helm the next week or two.

Won't play Sunday

Young (ankle) didn't participate in Friday's practice and has been ruled out for Sunday's road game against the Seahawks, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: As a result, Andy Dalton will start at QB for the Panthers, with Jake Luton expected to be elevated from the practice squad to serve as the team's backup Week 3. Young will now target a potential return to action when Carolina plays Minnesota on Sunday, Oct. 1.

Likely to sit out Week 3

The Panthers announced that Young (ankle) is unlikely to play Sunday in Seattle after sitting out practices Wednesday and Thursday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Andy Dalton took reps with the first-team offense for the second day in a row and is trending toward the Week 3 start while Young nurses the ankle injury he picked up in the Panthers' 20-17 loss to the Saints on Monday. Carolina hasn't officially ruled Young out from suiting up Sunday, but even if he practices in some fashion Friday and avoids the inactive list, he may be available only in a backup capacity behind Dalton. Carolina signed Jake Luton to its practice squad Wednesday and would…read more

Missing another practice

Young (ankle) won't participate in Thursday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Young is tending to an ankle issue in the aftermath of Monday's 20-17 loss to the Saints, but the severity of the injury remains unclear. The rookie signal-caller was estimated as a non-participant for Wednesday's walk-through practice and will now remain off the field Thursday while the Panthers reconvene for a more traditional practice. As Newton notes, Thursday's practice is a critical day in terms of installing the game plan for Sunday's game against Seattle, so Young's absence from the…read more

Tending to ankle injury

Young didn't participate in Wednesday's walk-through practice due to an ankle injury.

Analysis: Young picked up the ankle injury during Monday's 20-17 loss to the Saints, and his status for Carolina's Week 3 matchup with the Seahawks looks uncertain at the moment. Head coach Frank Reich said that Thursday's practice will reveal more information about Young's status fort his weekend, according to Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site. Carolina has a capable veteran in Andy Dalton ready to step up under center if Young is forced to miss any time.

Struggles in Week 2 loss

Young completed 22 of 33 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 20-17 loss to the Saints. He also threw a two-point conversion, rushed twice for 34 yards and lost a fumble.

Analysis: Young took advantage of favorable field position to lead field-goal drives in the first and third quarters, but he lost a costly fumble just outside the red zone with Carolina trailing 6-3 late in the first half and had another would-be lost fumble in the third quarter erased by a defensive holding penalty. The first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft led the Panthers to another field goal in the fourth before finally leading a touchdown drive in the final minutes with the Saints playing…read more

Uneven pro debut Sunday

Young completed 20 of 38 passes for 146 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and added three carries for 17 yards in the Panthers' 24-10 loss to the Falcons on Sunday. He also fumbled once but recovered.

Analysis: The rookie first overall pick naturally had the spotlight on him in the season-opening divisional matchup, and Young unsurprisingly delivered somewhat uneven results. The Falcons compressed the field significantly for Young, holding him to a meager 3.8 yards per attempt while also sacking him and picking him off two times apiece. The pair of interceptions led to 10 total points for Atlanta, while his one scoring toss went to tight end Hayden Hurst. Young did connect with eight different targets…read more

Finishes preseason strong

Young completed seven of 12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason matchup with Detroit.

Analysis: Young added three carries for 21 yards, leading the Panthers to 10 points over two drives against Detroit's second-string defense. The rookie capped off his night with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen, who was the only player to see more than two targets with the starting offense. Young finishes the preseason 14-for-24 passing (58.3 percent) for 129 yards (5.4 YPA) and a touchdown, having played two or three drives in each of Carolina's three exhibitions. He'll make his regular-season…read more

To start preseason finale

Young is slated to start Friday's preseason finale against the Lions, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Young has been quiet in his first two career exhibition matchups, but the rookie No. 1 overall pick will have one more opportunity to show his talents before facing regular-season action. In each of Carolina's first two preseason games Young only handled two or three drives, but the team could elect to feature him longer versus Detroit on Friday.

Another quiet performance

Young completed three of six passes for 35 yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Giants. He added one rushing yard on one carry.

Analysis: The rookie led the Panthers to one field goal on his two drives before checking out of the game. Young hasn't posted big numbers in his first two exhibition appearances, but the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft remains on track to open the regular season as Carolina's starting QB. If there's a positive takeaway from Friday's effort, it's that Young completed passes to each of his top three wideouts -- DJ Chark, Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo -- on his one scoring drive as he works to…read more

In line for three drives Friday

Young is expected to start and play about three possessions during Friday's preseason game at the Giants, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Young logged 11 snaps on three drives in the Panthers' exhibition opener last Saturday against the Jets en route to 21 yards on 4-for-6 passing. Carolina didn't put up any points during his time on the field, so the coaching staff likely will be looking to make progress on that front. Once Young hits the sidelines for good Friday, he'll be handing off the offense to second-year pro Matt Corral due to backup Andy Dalton sitting out with a tight back.

In line to play Friday

Young and Carolina's starters are on track see some action in Friday's preseason game against the Giants, Schuyler Callihan of SI.com reports.

Analysis: As for how much work Young might see Friday, coach Frank Reich noted "probably similar to last game as far as play time. You know, plus or minus." In this past Saturday's 27-0 preseason loss to the Jets, Young started and logged 11 snaps, en route to completing four of six passes for 21 yards, before giving way to Matt Corral.

Disappointing debut

Young completed four of six passes for 21 yards in Saturday's 27-0 preseason loss to the Jets.

Analysis: Young didn't show much in his NFL debut, but Matt Corral didn't fare any better over the remainder of the game upon replacing Young after three drives. The first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft could see more extensive action in the team's second preseason game against the Giants, as Young and the rest of Carolina's new-look first-team offense try to gain confidence and chemistry ahead of the regular season.

Starting preseason opener

Young will start Carolina's first preseason game Saturday against the Jets, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coach Frank Reich said he has a plan regarding how long Young would stay in the game, though he wouldn't elaborate on the details. Saturday will mark the much-anticipated NFL debut for Young, whom the Panthers selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama after trading up. Young will likely be accompanied by most or all of Carolina's first-team offense for the duration of his time in the game.

Named No. 1 QB

Head coach Frank Reich named Young the Panthers' No. 1 quarterback on Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Young, the top overall pick of April's draft, has worked with the first-team offense since the beginning of OTAs, and Reich has now confirmed that Carolina plans for him to start Week 1 against the Falcons over veteran backup Andy Dalton. The news doesn't come as much of a surprise, given that Young clearly represents the Panthers' future at under center and projects as a relatively NFL-ready rookie. Announcing Young as the starter early in camp and giving him plenty of first-team reps…read more

Works with first team

Young handled all the Panthers' first-team reps QB during Thursday's practice, Joseph Person and Larry Holder of the Athletic report.

Analysis: Previously, both Young and veteran Andy Dalton had been taking first-team reps during OTAs, but the report notes that coach Frank Reich and GM Scott Fitterer had been eyeing this week as the time to transition to the rookie working more extensively with the top unit. Though Young has yet to be officially named the Panthers' Week 1 starter, it would be a surprise if the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft doesn't land the assignment.