Bryce Young Injury Update: Will Panthers QB Miss Week 8 After Ankle Scare?

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young suffered a right ankle injury late in the third quarter of the team’s Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick exited the game after taking a sack and did not return as the Panthers secured a 13-6 victory. The injury has now cast doubt over his availability for Week 8, with further medical evaluation pending.

This injury is significant for the Panthers, who are on a three-game winning streak and heavily rely on Young to lead their offense. His early exit marked one of the rare times he has missed game action since entering the NFL, and it has raised concerns among fans and analysts about how it could impact both the team’s momentum and Young’s development.

Latest Details on Bryce Young’s Injury Status

Before leaving the game, Bryce Young completed 15 of 25 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, helping the Panthers maintain a slim lead over the struggling Jets. However, a third-quarter sack left him limping and unable to continue, prompting the medical staff to rule him out for the remainder of the contest.

Head coach Dave Canales confirmed after the game that the injury involves Young’s right ankle and that initial X-rays showed no signs of a fracture. While that is an encouraging sign, the team plans to conduct an MRI to assess potential ligament or soft tissue damage. The results of that scan will determine how much time, if any, Young might miss.

Veteran backup Andy Dalton stepped in to finish the game and managed the offense well enough to secure the Panthers’ first road win of the season. However, if Young is sidelined, Carolina will likely need to lean more on its running game and short passing schemes to compensate for his absence.

Young has previously dealt with ankle issues — he missed a game during his rookie season with a sprain — and the team is expected to take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. Canales told reporters the coaching staff will re-evaluate Young’s status early in the week and make a decision on his availability closer to Sunday.

What the Injury Means for the Panthers Going Forward

The short-term outlook for the Panthers hinges on Young’s recovery timeline. If he is unable to suit up in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, Dalton will likely get the start, and the offense may need to shift its strategy to emphasize the ground game and quick, high-percentage throws. This adjustment could impact Carolina’s scoring potential, but it may also provide a chance to protect Young from further risk.

In the long run, even a mild ankle sprain can have lingering effects on a quarterback’s mobility, pocket movement, and throwing mechanics. Young’s playing style often relies on his ability to evade pressure and extend plays, meaning any limitation could affect both his performance and the team’s offensive rhythm.

The Panthers have been encouraged by Young’s growth this season, and a setback at this point would be frustrating for both the coaching staff and fans. Still, with no fracture detected, there is optimism that the injury is not season-threatening. The next few days will be crucial as the results of further testing and Young’s progress in practice determine whether he can return in Week 8 or needs more recovery time.

In summary, the latest Bryce Young injury update shows initial signs of relief with no fracture detected, but uncertainty remains as Carolina awaits further test results to learn if its young quarterback will be available next week.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Bryce Young?

He injured his right ankle after a sack in the third quarter of the Panthers’ Week 7 game against the Jets and did not return.

Q2: What do the initial medical tests show?

Initial X-rays showed no fracture, but an MRI will be conducted to check for ligament or soft tissue damage.

Q3: Will Bryce Young play in Week 8?

It is too early to know. The team will evaluate his status throughout the week and decide closer to game day.

Q4: How will this affect the Panthers’ offense?

If Young is unavailable, backup Andy Dalton will start, and the team will likely rely more on its running game and short passing attack.

Q5: Has Bryce Young dealt with ankle injuries before?

Yes, he missed a game with a sprained ankle during his rookie season, so the team will approach his recovery with caution.