The Diagnosis
In a devastating turn of events, Carolina Panthers’ rookie sensation Bryce Young has been diagnosed with a broken collarbone and is expected to be out for up to 7 weeks. The injury occurred during the Cowboys game after a broken play that resulted in a scramble by Young. This comes as a significant blow to the Panthers, who are currently 3-7 but had shown signs of promise, including a win over division leaders, the Saints (7-3). With four division games remaining, the timing couldn’t be worse for Carolina.
The Quarterback Situation
With Young sidelined, the Panthers are left with a difficult decision at the quarterback position. Veteran QB Andy Dalton is on the roster and brings a wealth of experience, but there’s also TE Tyree Jackson, who could make the move to QB. Known for having one of the stronger arms in the league, Jackson presents an intriguing option. Additionally, the Panthers have signed QB Bryce Perkins, known for his athletic ability and who started a couple of games for the Rams in 2022. Each option brings a different skill set, and it will be interesting to see who the coaching staff leans on in Young’s absence.
The Playoff Picture
Heading into Week 12, the Panthers are in a precarious position. At 3-7, their playoff hopes are slim, but not entirely out of reach, especially with four division games left on the schedule. The injury to Young undoubtedly complicates matters, but it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up. The Panthers have shown they can compete with the best, as evidenced by their win over the Saints. However, navigating the next seven weeks without their star rookie QB will be their biggest challenge yet.
Final Thoughts
The loss of Bryce Young is a significant setback for a Panthers team that was beginning to find its identity. His “gutsy scrambler” trait had added a dynamic element to the offense, and his absence will be keenly felt. However, adversity often brings out the best in teams, and how the Panthers respond to this challenge could define their season. With a mix of veteran and young talent on the roster, don’t count them out just yet. But there’s no denying that the road ahead just got a lot tougher.
