Bryce Young will return to the Carolina Panthers lineup on Sunday after veteran Andy Dalton sprained the thumb on his throwing hand in a car crash on Tuesday, head coach Dave Canales said.
Young will make his first start since the team's 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. Dalton took over, giving the team a boost in a 36-22 win over Las Vegas.
Since then it's been anything but easy for Carolina, with the Panthers getting blown out three straight weeks by Chicago, Atlanta and Washington. It's unclear if Young will keep the starting job once Dalton is healthy enough to play.
Head coach Dave Canales said Young has worked extremely hard to get back on the field and is looking forward to seeing him play.
"I've been excited about getting Bryce this opportunity because he's worked so hard," Canales said.
Canales said this season has been one of the most difficult experiences of his career. Carolina has been ravaged by injuries, losing veteran anchors Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson, in addition to several other role players.
"I can honestly say no," Canales said when asked if he'd been a part of something like this year. "I can just say that hard times build perseverance."
The Panthers face the Broncos at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday. They'll then return home for their second meeting with the New Orleans Saints. Then it's off to Germany to play the New York Giants in Munich on Nov. 10.
Young said he was concerned for Dalton's well-being when he first heard about the crash. He said he is ready to step into the starter role once again.
"You always have to prepare like you're gonna play no matter where it is," Young said on Wednesday. "It doesn't change my approach or anything."
Dalton spoke with the media on Wednesday and said he's glad his family is fine and hopes he can get back on the field soon.
"I definitely do [plan on going to Denver]," Dalton said. "We'll see how this thing progresses and see how quickly I can get back out there."