Bryce Young injury update: Panthers provide notable update on QB's availability for Week 9 vs. Packers

Carolina Panthers (4-4) quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) was listed as a full participant on Wednesday’s injury report. Young is on track to return in Sunday’s Week 9 road matchup against the Green Bay Packers (5-1-1).

“We had a little bit of a modified practice today, but he handled it, handled the load,” head coach Dave Canales said of Young. “Tomorrow, we’ll push it again, and we’ll make a decision in the next couple of days.”

Andy Dalton, who started in place of Young this past Sunday, did not practice Wednesday. He has a right thumb injury. Dalton completed 16-of-24 passes for 175 yards and an interception in the 40-9 defeat to the Buffalo Bills (5-2).

“He injured his thumb really early in the game,” Canales said. “He was a stud, you know, he gutted it out and was able to be out there and allow us to finish the game that way. And it just really blew up on him after the game, and he got imaging on it through our process over the last couple of days. So, we’ve got to see where he’s at going into this weekend and make decisions from there.”

Bryce Young on track to return in Week 9 vs. Packers

An MRI revealed that Young suffered a high-ankle sprain in the 13-6 Week 7 road win over the New York Jets, an injury which occurred in the third quarter while taking a sack. The injury was significant enough to keep him sidelined for one game.

The Panthers struggled to move the ball without Young, so his return will be a welcome one. The third-year starter has thrown for 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions on 61.6% passing.

Before the injury, Young led the Panthers to three consecutive wins following a 1-3 start to the 2025 season. Carolina got above .500 for the first time since Oct. 10, 2021, before falling to Buffalo. Young played well during the winning streak, throwing for six touchdowns and two interceptions.