The Panthers' Bryce Young will start Sunday against the Broncos after Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident

Dalton did not practice on Wednesday, and although no emergency transport was required from the scene of the accident on Tuesday, the injury Dalton suffered is so serious that he will not be able to start on Sunday.

Canales told reporters they will evaluate Dalton throughout the week before deciding whether he can serve as a backup on Sunday.

Young began the 2024 season as a starter for Carolina, but was cut in September after two terrible outings. Canales inserted the 14-year veteran into the lineup as Young's replacement and saw immediate benefits when Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-22 win over the Raiders on Sept. 22.

That triumph remains the Panthers' only win of 2024. Dalton has struggled ever since, reaching a new low last weekend when he completed 11 of 16 passes for 93 yards and two interceptions, resulting in a stunning defeat to Washington that was ugly enough was to get reporters to ask Canales if he would return to the former first overall pick of the 2023 draft. Canales maintained his commitment to Dalton and said Carolina planned to continue with him as a starter.

Canales told reporters Wednesday that he's excited about another move from Young as QB1 and praised the 2023 No. 1 pick for how he's conducted himself since being benched.

“He’s excited,” Canales said. “He was an absolute delight throughout the entire process. He has been committed and involved in what we do and that is why he is excited about this opportunity. I'm looking forward to him getting another opportunity to get in there and play football.”