Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers QB Bryce Young (ankle) returns to practice

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young returned to practice Wednesday after testing his tender ankle.

Head coach Frank Reich confirmed the rookie’s presence but did not specify his participation level. Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, did not practice at all last week.

Veteran Andy Dalton replaced him and passed for 361 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s 37-27 loss at Seattle.

It’s too soon to say who will be under center when the Panthers (0-3) host the Minnesota Vikings (0-3) on Sunday.

Young, 22, passed for a combined 299 yards with two TDs and two picks in losses to Atlanta and New Orleans.

–Field Level Media

Jul 31, 2023; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) and quarterback Andy Dalton (14) chat during warm ups during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young (ankle) out 1-2 weeks

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young is expected to miss one to two games with an ankle injury, coach Frank Reich said Friday.

Young, the top overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, officially was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the host Seattle Seahawks (1-1). Veteran Andy Dalton, 35, will be under center for the Panthers (0-2).

Jake Luton, who was signed to the practice squad, will serve as the backup quarterback to Dalton in Seattle.

Young had his ankle checked out after the Monday night home loss to the New Orleans Saints and missed the Wednesday walkthrough. He was held out of the team’s first full practice of the week Thursday, and again on Friday.

Reich expressed optimism that Young could return to action versus the visiting Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 1.

“I think there is a possibility that he plays next week, but I tend to be too optimistic in these situations,” Reich said.

Young, 22, has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions.

Dalton completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 2,871 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 14 games last season with the Saints.

On Friday, linebackers Brian Burns (ankle) and Justin Houston (calf) joined running back Mile Sanders (pectoral) in turning in limiting practices. Houston was listed as questionable to face the Seahawks.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers QB Bryce Young (ankle) misses practice

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young missed practice Wednesday with an ankle injury.

The Panthers held a walkthrough coming off Monday night’s home loss to the New Orleans Saints. Young had his ankle checked out after the game.

Carolina signed QB Jake Luton to the practice squad. Andy Dalton is the primary backup to Young. The Panthers will hold a full practice Thursday.

Luton takes the practice squad spot of linebacker Deion Jones, who was signed to the 53-man roster to backfill the loss of Shaq Thompson, who suffered a season-ending injury Monday night.

Young, 22, is 0-2 to begin his career. The No. 1 overall pick has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions so far.

The Panthers twice took out Young in short-yardage situations against the Saints, bringing in Dalton, a move Reich later said was done to “limit the exposure” of their franchise QB.

“Bryce can do any of it, but you got an experienced veteran,” Reich said. “There’s no golden rule that says he can’t come in and play a couple plays in the game. Look what the Saints did. I know Taysom Hill’s a different story, but why not do that to a lesser extent if it can be utilized in a positive way?”

The Panthers also listed edge rusher Brian Burns (ankle), linebacker Justin Houston (calf), running back Miles Sanders (pec) and linebacker Chandler Wooten (knee) as limited for Wednesday’s walkthrough.

The Panthers (0-2) play at Seattle (1-1) in Week 3.

–Field Level Media

Jun 14, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws during the Carolina Panthers minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Top overall pick Bryce Young tabbed Panthers’ starting QB

Rookie Bryce Young has been named the Carolina Panthers’ starting quarterback, coach Frank Reich announced Wednesday.

“Yes, he’s QB1,” Reich said of Young, the top overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Reich’s decision isn’t much of a surprise given that Young has worked with the first-team unit since the beginning of organized team activities. He gets the nod as starter over veteran backup Andy Dalton, who signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Panthers.

“That means a lot. That’s a huge blessing,” Young said. “For me, it doesn’t change my approach.”

Young, 22, won the Heisman Trophy at Alabama in 2021 and set a school record with five games with at least five touchdown passes.

He spent three seasons in Tuscaloosa, winning the 2020 national championship as a backup to 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones.

Young threw 80 touchdown passes and completed 624 of 949 passes (65.8 percent) for 8,356 yards in 36 games for the Crimson Tide. He holds numerous program records, including single-season marks for passing touchdowns (47) and passing yards (4,872).

Young agreed to terms last week on a fully guaranteed four-year, $37.9 million rookie contract that includes a $24.6 million signing bonus.

–Field Level Media

May 12, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws during the Carolina Panthers rookie camp at the Atrium Practice Facility in Charlotte, NC.Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers elevate Bryce Young to QB1 on depth chart

The Carolina Panthers moved No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young to the top quarterback spot on the depth chart, but coach Frank Reich stopped short Thursday of naming the rookie his Week 1 starter.

Until now, veteran Andy Dalton, an offseason signee, had been listed as the starter and took the opening reps with the first unit in voluntary offseason workouts, though Young also worked with the first team. But Reich told reporters that Young has impressed him enough to make the change.

“It’s just the next step,” Reich said. “We had a couple of weeks to watch Andy. Andy has continued to perform at a very high level. We’re just trying to get our team ready. Everything is about what’s best for our team, and so this was just the next step.”

The first-year coach isn’t ready to hand Young the starting job until he sees more from him, however.

“He’s showing everything you want to see,” Reich said. “But this goes back to even the draft decision. We don’t have to make a decision until you have to make it.”

Reich said this is the timeline that he and general manager Scott Fitterer envisioned when they drafted Young, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Alabama. During mandatory camp next week, Young will take the first-team reps and the 35-year-old Dalton will lead the second unit.

Young, who turns 22 next month, said he won’t change his approach.

“For me, it’s about earning it,” Young said. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity that I have. I still think it’s a process. I’m grateful to be accepted by the team. It’s an amazing locker room, a great group of guys. I want to continue with that.

“It’s not something you’re just entitled to.”

–Field Level Media

Apr 28, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Bryce Young holds up a jersey depicting his draft position at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young to enter minicamp as No. 2 QB

The Carolina Panthers are planning to ease No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young into their offense, making him QB2 at the outset of camp season.

Panthers head coach Frank Reich said primary backup Andy Dalton will be the de facto first-string QB when minicamp begins. Young is Carolina’s projected starter for the 2023 season.

“He’ll have to earn it. Obviously, that’s the way it should be,” Reich told The Athletic on Monday. “We’ll know when the right time is. He’s got enough going on right now. I just want him to come in and learn the offense and not have to worry about stepping into the limelight. Just come in, learn the offense, get to know these guys. When we step out onto the field the first time, he’ll be in that No. 2 spot.”

The Panthers also have Matt Corral and Jacob Eason on their QB depth chart. Corral was taken in the third round of the 2022 draft, albeit by a different regime in Carolina at the time.

Young went 24-3 as a starter at Alabama and won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore in 2021.

Young spent three seasons in Tuscaloosa, winning the 2020-21 national championship as a backup to 2022 first-rounder Mac Jones.

In 36 games for Alabama overall, Young threw 80 touchdown passes and completed 624 of 949 passes (65.8 percent) for 8,356 yards. He holds numerous program records, including five games with five touchdown passes and single-season marks for passing touchdowns (47) and passing yards (4,872).

Young, along with Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson, is the co-favorite to win 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

–Field Level Media

Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA;  Texas running back Bijan Robinson with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young, Bijan Robinson top odds for Offensive ROY

The first quarterback and first running back selected in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday are the co-favorites to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Top overall pick Bryce Young, the Alabama quarterback selected by the Carolina Panthers, and No. 8 pick Bijan Robinson, the Texas running back chosen by the Atlanta Falcons, are both listed by FanDuel and BetMGM at +400 odds to claim Offensive Rookie of the Year.

DraftKings posted Robinson as a +400 favorite, with Young just behind at +475.

The next two quarterbacks off the board after Young were listed as the No. 3 and No. 4 choices by FanDuel and BetMGM.

Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, drafted second overall by the Houston Texans, was posted at +600 by FanDuel, +650 by BetMGM. Florida’s Anthony Richardson, selected fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts, has odds of +700 at FanDuel, +650 at BetMGM.

DraftKings has Stroud at +700 and Richardson at +1200, the fourth- and sixth-best odds, respectively. New Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, chosen 20th out of Ohio State, is third at DraftKings (+650). New Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the No. 12 overall pick out of Alabama, had +850 odds at DraftKings.

Smith-Njigba is listed at +700 by BetMGM, +800 by FanDuel. Gibbs is at +2500 according to FanDuel and BetMGM.

New Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, chosen 23rd out of Southern California, has +1600 odds at DraftKings and FanDuel, while BetMGM lists him at +1400.

Others with odds of +2000 or lower at one or more of the books were Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnson (No. 21 out of TCU) and Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers (No. 22 out of Boston College), plus three players who weren’t selected in the first round: Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker and UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet.

–Field Level Media

Mar 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA;  Quarterback Bryce Young throws during Pro Day at Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility on the campus of the University of Alabama. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Ncaa Football University Of Alabama Pro Day

No. 1 sign? Alabama QB Bryce Young reportedly ends pre-draft visits

Bryce Young discontinued his remaining team visits ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft in the strongest sign yet the Carolina Panthers plan to select the Alabama quarterback No. 1 overall.

NFL Network first reported Young canceled the rest of his pre-draft stops, although he met with several teams at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

Betting markets reacted immediately to the report, shifting Young to -1000 to be the No. 1 pick in the April 27 draft. Two weeks ago, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was favored to be picked first.

Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and Stroud are reportedly the top candidates under consideration for the Panthers, who acquired the No. 1 overall pick in a trade with the Chicago Bears in March.

Panthers coach Frank Reich met with Young before Alabama’s pro day last month.

Young, 21, also met with the Houston Texans, who have the No. 2 pick, on a “top 30” visit.

Panthers owner David Tepper was present at Young’s pro day workout one day after Carolina sent a posse of personnel to Stroud’s workout in Columbus, Ohio.

Young completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 8,356 yards with 80 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions in three seasons with the Crimson Tide.

Carolina parted with quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, who competed for the starting job last summer. Mayfield was released in October.

–Field Level Media

Alabama Crimson Tide Bryce Young (left) and Ohio State' Buckeye C.J. Stroud (center) pictured in a file photo with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett talk with ESPN Game Day before the game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Odds swing sets Bryce Young as heavy favorite at No. 1

Following the long-held believe that Vegas always knows, oddsmakers adjusted the futures betting markets in a big way with Alabama’s Bryce Young now a runaway favorite to be selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Young, who met with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, had trailed Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud for most of March and briefly pulled to even odds this month.

On Wednesday, bettors placing a wager on the No. 1 pick found that Young jumped well ahead of the pack.

Young is now -360 to be the first pick in the draft at DraftKings, -270 at FanDuel and -300 at BetMGM. Stroud is running second at almost every sportsbook. Young was as high as +350 to be the No. 1 pick last month.

FanDuel lists Stroud at +200 and he’s +210 at BetMGM. Books have universally come to the realization the Panthers are down to two options at No. 1.

The third-best odds belong to Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson at +2000 (FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings).

Richardson’s odds to be drafted in the top five has also shifted with an over-under at 4.5 now +135 (over) at DraftKings. The under is -165.

–Field Level Media

Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (QB15) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

QB Bryce Young measures 5-10 1/8 at combine

Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young officially measured 5-foot-10 and 1/8 inch and 204 pounds on Saturday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

If NFL executives and scouts overlook the former Heisman Trophy winner’s less-than-ideal stature and still make him a first-round pick next month, he would be the lightest Round 1 QB since at least 2006 and one of the shortest since the 1967 NFL-AFL merger.

His frame is very similar to the 2019 combine measurements for Kyler Murray, who was 5-10 1/8 and 207 pounds and went No. 1 overall in the draft to the Arizona Cardinals.

Alabama’s 2022 roster listed Young at 6 feet, 194 pounds.

Young insists that any concerns about his size are misplaced.

“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” he said. “I know who I am, I know what I can do. For me, it’s fair, everyone can speculate, ask me every question, I’m going to continue to control what I can control, continue to keep working my hardest … I’m confident in myself, I know what I can do.”

The average height and weight of quarterbacks on NFL rosters in 2022 was 6-2 1/2, 219.8. Of course, there are notable exceptions. Future Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson measured just under 5-11 at the 2012 combine.

Young completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 8,356 yards with 80 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions in three seasons with the Crimson Tide. He lacks Murray’s mobility, finishing with 139 carries for 162 yards and seven TDs.

–Field Level Media