Bryce Young Sidelined: Panthers QB to Miss Week 8 with Hi...

Carolina Panthers starting quarterback Bryce Young is expected to miss the team's Week 8 matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to a high-ankle sprain. The injury occurred during Sunday's 13-6 victory over the New York Jets, forcing the young signal-caller out of the game in the third quarter.

Veteran backup Andy Dalton is now slated to start under center for the Panthers in the crucial home game against the Bills on Sunday, October 26, at Bank of America Stadium. This development marks a significant setback for Carolina, which is currently enjoying a three-game winning streak.

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that an MRI confirmed the high-ankle sprain, an injury known for its potentially lengthy recovery period. While a precise timeline for Young's return remains unclear, such sprains typically sideline players for several weeks.

Young sustained the injury after being sacked in the third quarter against the Jets, twisting his ankle in the process. He was unable to return to the game, with Dalton stepping in to finish the contest and secure the win.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales initially described Young as "day-to-day" but acknowledged the team was gathering more information. The confirmed high-ankle sprain now necessitates a change at quarterback for the upcoming challenging fixture.

This injury comes at a critical juncture for the Panthers, who have improved to a 4-3 record, marking their first time above .500 this late in a season since 2019. Maintaining momentum will be key as they face a formidable Bills opponent.

Andy Dalton, in his third season with the Panthers, brings considerable experience to the starting role. He completed four of seven passes for 60 yards in relief against the Jets and has started multiple games for Carolina in previous seasons.

Injury Details and Recovery Outlook: Bryce Young's high-ankle sprain was confirmed via MRI after he twisted his ankle during a third-quarter sack in the Week 7 game against the New York Jets. High-ankle sprains are more severe than typical ankle sprains, involving damage to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula. Recovery times for NFL players often range from two to four weeks, and sometimes up to six weeks, depending on severity, with some studies indicating that players may experience reduced performance even after returning.
Impact on Carolina Panthers' Season: The injury to Young disrupts the Panthers' positive momentum, as they had achieved a 4-3 record and a three-game winning streak, their best start since 2019. Losing their starting quarterback, especially a former No. 1 overall pick, during a competitive stretch could significantly impact their offensive rhythm and aspirations for postseason contention. The team faces a tough two-game stretch against the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers.
Andy Dalton's Role and Experience: Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, who has been with the Panthers since 2023, will step in as the starter. Dalton finished the Week 7 game against the Jets, completing 4-of-7 passes for 60 yards. He has made six starts for the Panthers in his career and has a career passer rating of 85.9 with 1,408 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 11 games for the team. His experience will be crucial in Young's absence.
Young's Performance and Development: In his third NFL season, Bryce Young has shown flashes of potential despite an inconsistent overall performance. Through seven games, he has completed 62% of his passes for 1,288 yards, with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. This injury interrupts his development and ability to build consistency, especially after being benched during his second season in 2024.
Opponent's Perspective: The Buffalo Bills, coming off a bye week and looking to rebound from a two-game losing streak, will now face a Panthers offense led by Andy Dalton instead of Bryce Young. This change is seen as a potential break for the Bills' defense, which has faced challenges this season. The Bills will be highly motivated to secure a win against the Panthers.
Historical Context of High-Ankle Sprains for QBs: While high-ankle sprains are less common for quarterbacks compared to other positions like running backs and wide receivers, they can still significantly affect mobility and performance. Other quarterbacks, such as Patrick Mahomes and J.J. McCarthy, have dealt with similar injuries, with recovery timelines varying. The ability to cut and pivot, essential for NFL quarterbacks, is particularly hampered by this type of injury.
Team's Depth at Quarterback: Beyond Andy Dalton, the Panthers' quarterback depth chart is thin. Rookie Hendon Hooker, a former third-round pick by the Detroit Lions, is currently on the practice squad and could be elevated if additional depth is needed. Head coach Dave Canales has expressed confidence in Dalton but acknowledged the team might consider bringing in another quarterback depending on Young's full evaluation.