CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Quarterback Bryce Young will make a second consecutive start for the Carolina Panthers Sunday against the New Orleans Saintsand rookie running back Jonathan Brooks could make his NFL debut.
Brooks spent the first eight games rehabbing following ACL surgery in November 2023 while at the University of Texas. The second-round pick would share the backfield with Chuba Hubbard And Miles Sanders if he is activated to the 53-man roster.
Young will start as a veteran Andy Dalton continues his rehabilitation following a sprained thumb on his throwing hand, which he suffered last week in a car accident. Dalton was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and is expected to be Young’s backup.
“For me, it was taking the decision out of Andy’s hands,” coach Dave Canales said. “If you asked Andy, ‘Could you go?’ » He would say yes. And, for me, he’s a week away from a thumb injury and I just want to make sure we get him back in the right condition and in the right frame.
“And I’m excited that Bryce will have another opportunity to build on the things we’ve talked about. Continuing to grow and get that experience we’ve talked about is invaluable.”
This will be Young’s second start against the Saints. He completed 13 of 30 pass attempts for 161 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 47-10 loss at New Orleans in Week 1.
He was replaced by Dalton after an 0-2 start, and he didn’t get another start until Sunday at Denver. He completed 24 of 37 pass attempts for 224 yards with two touchdowns and threw two interceptions in the 28-14 loss.
Brooks won’t start, but he’ll get a few reps behind Hubbard if he’s ready.
Although there was speculation before the season that Brooks would make Hubbard expendable when he becomes a free agent after the season, the team appears determined to re-sign Hubbard to a long-term deal and move both forward rears.
Canales said he wanted to watch Brooks for a full week before committing to playing him on Sunday, but the activation window is expected to end next Wednesday.
“I’m thinking about him and making sure he’s confident and ready to go,” Canales said. “So we’re going to stack a few more days here before we make that decision.”
Canales said he won’t make a decision on who will start at quarterback after Sunday and until next week. Young said he was looking at his situation from week to week but was grateful to have a second chance to face New Orleans.
Wednesday was the first day of the season the Panthers practiced without a wide receiver Diontae Johnsonwhich was exchanged Baltimore Ravens Tuesday.
“Just the drive he has, the will to compete,” Young said of Johnson. “He’s someone who always wanted to be at his best throughout training camp or games. He always gave his all. I have nothing but love for him.
A league source said the Panthers began exploring the idea of trading Johnson a few weeks ago. There were two early contenders, and the Ravens entered the picture a few days ago.
Canales declined to say whether the problems Johnson had in the locker room with the Pittsburgh Steelerswho traded the Pro Bowl receiver to Carolina in March, had something to do with his departure.
“These are all things I’m going to keep in-house,” Canales said. “I hope you can respect this part.”
