Andy Dalton Injury: Won't start Week 8

Head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Bryce Young will start Sunday's game against the Broncos while Dalton recovers from the sprained thumb he sustained in a car accident Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Dalton was fortunate to avoid any major injuries in the accident, but the sprained thumb kept him from practicing Wednesday. The Panthers apparently aren't counting on Dalton healing up from the injury in time to play Sunday, and Young being named the starter this early in the week suggests that Dalton could miss games beyond Sunday. While Dalton hasn't officially been ruled out for the Week 8 contest yet, Jack Plummer will likely be elevated from the practice squad to work as Young's backup against the Broncos.