Panthers QB Andy Dalton sprains thumb in crash; Bryce Young to start Sunday

CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton was in a crash Tuesday afternoon in south Charlotte, a team spokesperson confirmed to Channel 9′s DaShawn Brown.

On Wednesday, Coach Dave Canales said Dalton will sit out during the game on Sunday while Bryce Young starts.

Additionally, a team spokesman said Andy Dalton is being evaluated by the team’s medical personnel. #Panthers | #NFL | @wsoctv https://t.co/QtbMJ1jEaU
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) October 22, 2024

Dalton was headed on Sardis Road and headed toward Providence Road when it happened, the spokesperson said.

Dalton’s wife, three kids, and his dog were in the car with him. No one from his family was transported by paramedics, according to the spokesperson.

As for the quarterback, he was evaluated by team medical personnel who found that he had sprained his right thumb, which is his throwing hand.

NEW: Dave Canales just shared an update on #Panthers QB Andy Dalton, whom he says sprained his thumb (on his throwing hand) during the accident Tuesday.

Bryce Young will play this Sunday. @wsoctv
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) October 23, 2024

In a news conference Wednesday, Dalton shared how grateful he was for God’s protection over his entire family. He said he had just picked up his children from school when the crash happened.

“I didn’t think this was going to happen, picking the kids up from school taking them to a tennis lesson and a baseball game and all the stuff that went into, but definitely crazy that it happened,” he said.

He said now, he’s focused on getting back on the field.

“I’m going to go through the process and do everything I can to try to get feeling better,” Dalton said. “And hopefully by the end of the week, I can get to that point where I can be back, but we’ll see. I have to go through the process of it all.”

Dalton did say he’s not at the point where he’s even tried to grip a football.

The Panthers, led by Bryce Young, will head to Denver on Sunday to face the Broncos at 4:25 p.m. Coach Canales said the plan for Dalton is to go week to week.

“Me and Andy are super close. Originally hearing stuff, that’s where my heart was and concern was,” Young said. “Just coming to work, it’s business ... For me, I never was out of, again that’s out of respect for the team and knowing how the league is.”

Canales said they’re still evaluating if Dalton will be healthy enough to serve as a backup Sunday. Dalton said he will travel to Denver with the team.

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