Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young’s day ended early in the third quarter against the New York Jets after he went down with an ankle injury and was officially ruled out. Veteran Andy Dalton stepped in to start the fourth quarter and actually managed to lead the team on a decent 11-play drive into Jets territory.

Regarding Young’s status, Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed to Mike Kaye, who covers the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer, that the team is still evaluating the extent of the injury. This is what Canales said during the post-game press conference when asked for an update on the injury, which was shared on Mike’s social media handle X;

“We are evaluating for the right ankle. So, we are taking all the information, and we are going to look at him when we get home some more and see where.” He agreed on Bryce twisting his ankle as he said, “Yeah, that long third down. I was trying to get out of trouble there but got caught up a little bit, so [we] will update you soon as we have.”

Just for a quick visual preview of the game, if you missed the moment during the game, Bryce Young’s injury happened when New York defender Jowon Briggs brought him down on a sack, seemingly catching the quarterback’s ankle in the process. Young was helped to the locker room afterward and didn’t return to the field. During the press post-game press conference, the Panthers running back said that he had a word with Young, and he said that Young would be fine.

Speaking about his overall performance on the field, Young, who was drafted into the team in 2023, has been on the field for pretty much every play this season. Heading into Week 7, he was completing just under 62% of his passes, with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, though his QBR of 42.6 was low, ranking 25 in the league. In the game against the Jets, he completed 15 of his 25 passes, including a touchdown throw to Xavier Legette.

If Bryce Young stays away in week 8 who can play QB for the Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers, especially Dave Canales, might find themselves in a tough spot heading into Week 8 if Bryce Young’s ankle injury keeps him sidelined. With Young’s status uncertain, the attention naturally turns to who could take the reins under center if he can’t go. Veteran backup Andy Dalton remains the most likely candidate.

Dalton, who has started over 160 games in his career, offers the experience and composure that could stabilize the Panthers’ offense, at least temporarily. His quick decision-making and ability to manage the pocket could be exactly what Carolina needs against a fierce Week 8 opponent.

If the team opts for a younger look, Jake Luton, who is a backup quarterback and has been on and off the practice squad, could see an elevation. However, trusting an untested backup midseason would be a big gamble, especially with the Panthers already struggling to find rhythm offensively.

For now, the Panthers and their fans will anxiously await updates on Young’s recovery.