Carolina Panthers veteran quarterback Andy Dalton admits he’s having a little more fun this week knowing there’s a chance he may start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rookie QB Bryce Young missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday because of an ankle injury, further increasing the likelihood the 13-year pro will make his first start in a Panthers uniform.
“For me, obviously — absolutely,” Dalton said with a smile. “It’s always nice because I have had a certain way of operating in my career, and when you go from starting to being the backup that is one of the things that you miss. … When you get a chance to take ownership of what you’re doing, and to know how you want it to look and how you want it to feel and see it executed, that is what makes football fun.”
Dalton made it clear his goal is not to steal Young’s starting job, but instead to help the Panthers win.
Young, the No. 1 pick in the draft, injured his ankle at some point during Carolina’s 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.
Thursday’s practice was the most important of the week for the Panthers (0-2) given they’re working on a short week and it was the primary day for game plan installation.
While it is trending toward Dalton starting, Brown wouldn’t declare him the starter.
When asked if he would feel comfortable starting a rookie such as Young if he sat out practice all week, Brown replied “I would, no question — that rookie. I wouldn’t make a general statement when it comes to all rookies, but that rookie I would.”
Young was seen walking out to practice without a boot on his ankle, but he did not have his practice gear.
He was not available during the team’s open locker room session.
Carolina’s offense has struggled in the first two weeks with the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback.
Young ranks 31st in the NFL in passer rating, having completed 59.2% of his passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first two games. He’s also fumbled once.
