Getty Image / Jared C. Tilton
Things have not gone to plan so far for the Carolina Panthers and 2023 NFL Draft first overall pick Bryce Young. The offense has sputtered, the team looks downright awful, and now the rookie is hurt.
And, on Thursday, the Carolina Panthers revealed some unsettling news about their quarterback, as he did not practice on Thursday and is now considered to be doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Bryce Young did not practice, and isn’t expected to play Sunday.https://t.co/dyk8khPG4f
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 21, 2023
The Red Rifle, Andy Dalton, will be the starter if Young indeed can’t go.
This has to be troubling for Carolina Panthers fans. Yes, it’s early in the season in what is almost certainly a lost season anyway. But, the big knock on Bryce Young coming out of Alabama had nothing to do with his ability. He has good-enough arm strength and everything else a quarterback needs in terms of performance is elite.
That is, except his size. Young is a diminutive 5-feet-10-inches and 205lbs, and was constantly dinged up at Alabama. He even missed time last year due to injuries.
The hope is that his ability to get the ball out quickly would help him prevent injuries in the NFL. And, there is some truth to that. But, the Carolina Panthers are going to need to help him out in the future with much better offensive line play, which is terrible right now.
Through two games, both losses for Carolina, Bryce Young has thrown for 299 yards and two touchdowns to go along with two interceptions. However, that appears to be more a factor of the rest of the offense, as he’s throwing the ball pretty well. It seems like a long rebuild is in store in Carolina.