Almost everything has gone wrong for the Carolina Panthers during the 2023 NFL campaign, and Week 17 was no different. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young appeared to suffer an injury after taking a hard shot in the first quarter of Carolina’s Week 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. What’s the latest on the No. 1 overall pick?
Bryce Young Injury Update
Young took a sack while the Panthers attempted a 4th-and-7 from Jacksonville’s 21-yard line near the end of the first quarter. The first-year passer stayed down on the field after taking a hit from Jaguars defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris.
Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard attempted to help Young before Carolina’s medical staff took the field to assist the club’s rookie quarterback. Young was eventually able to depart the field under his own power.
#Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young on the ground in pain after getting sacked.
Young was able to walk off under his own power.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 31, 2023
Young went into the blue medical tent on the Panthers’ sideline for evaluation. He subsequently returned to Carolina’s bench and put his helmet back on, suggesting he would be able to return to Sunday’s game.
Indeed, Young was the Panthers’ quarterback on their next offensive drive. Fortunately, the Alabama product appears to have avoided a severe injury.
MORE: Carolina Panthers Depth Chart
Young has undoubtedly struggled during his rookie season, completing 59.7% of his passes for 2,671 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions entering Week 17. Only the Las Vegas Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell and the New York Jets’ Zach Wilson have posted a lower QBR than Young (34.7) in 2023.
Young missed time earlier this season, sitting out Week 3 after suffering an ankle injury. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton attempted 58 passes and threw two touchdowns in a 10-pointy loss to the Seattle Seahawks in his lone start of the year.
What Would Carolina’s Offense Look Like Without Young?
A Young injury would actually give me slightly more confidence in Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, and DJ Chark against a leaky Buccaneers secondary for Week 18. Dalton isn’t great, but the Panthers cut him loose in his lone start this season, and I’d expect more of the same against a defense that allows over 74% of opponent yards to be gained through the air.
Thielen should be considered a PPR Flex in Week 18, while Chark and Mingo are more DFS GPP punt plays that carry more upside with Dalton under center than Young.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe