Panthers' Young to start vs. Broncos after Dalton's car accident

Bryce Young is in line to start Sunday for the Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos after Andy Dalton sustained a sprained thumb in a car accident this week, head coach Dave Canales announced, according to The Associated Press' Steve Reed.

Canales shared that Dalton "feels good, other than his thumb," according to team reporter Darin Gantt.

Dalton and his family were involved in an accident near Charlotte on Tuesday. None of the members of his family were taken to the hospital, according to The Associated Press.

Dalton didn't participate in Wednesday's practice. Canales shared that the team will take a wait-and-see approach regarding whether the 36-year-old will serve as Young's backup on Sunday.

Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler, has started five games for Carolina this season and has a 1-4 record. The veteran passer has thrown for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Panthers' lone win of the season came in Week 3 with Dalton under center.

Young will return to the starting role for the first time since being benched after Week 2. He made some brief appearances since being demoted in the first month of the season.

"I'm fired up for him to have another opportunity and just get in there and play some football," Canales said, per Reed.

The 2023 first overall pick has passed for 299 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions in his second pro season. Carolina has a 2-16 record with Young as its starter dating back to last season. The Alabama product endured an underwhelming rookie campaign in 2023, throwing for 11 TDs compared to 10 INTs while completing 59% of his pass attempts.