Panthers' Young to get 2nd straight start vs. Saints

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales named Bryce Young the starting quarterback for the second consecutive week ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN's David Newton.

Andy Dalton will serve as Young's backup as he continues to rehab an injury to his right thumb. The veteran signal-caller practiced for the first time Wednesday since being involved in a car accident that kept him sidelined last week against the Denver Broncos.

"For me, he's a week removed from a thumb injury and I just wanted to make sure that we're putting him back out there in the right state, in the right framework. And I'm excited for Bryce to have another opportunity to build on the things that we've talked about," Canales said.

Young, who started for the first time last week since he was benched after Week 2, delivered his most promising statistical performance of the season: The 2023 first overall pick threw for 224 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, completing 64% of his pass attempts.

Dalton started five games for the Panthers before his car accident. He led Carolina to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, but the Panthers lost his next four starts as well as their Week 8 contest with Young under center.

Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler, has thrown for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions this season with a 66% completion rate.