Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Panthers get worst-case news on Week 8 status for Bryce Young

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 8:02 AM ET

The Carolina Panthers will enter Week 8 riding a three-game winning streak and above .500 for the first time since 2021. That may be short-lived, though, with the latest injury report out of Carolina.

Bryce Young injury update not promising

Starting quarterback Bryce Young left Sunday's 13-6 win against the New York Jets with an ankle injury, leaving his status for Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills up in the air.

That status has now been revealed, as first reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, with Young being diagnosed with a high ankle sprain that is expected to sideline him Sunday against the Bills. Young suffered a similar injury two seasons ago, and he missed just one game when that occurred.

#Panthers QB Bryce Young suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday, an MRI revealed, and he is expected to miss this week’s game against the #Bills, per sources.

Andy Dalton is now in line to start against Buffalo, and quite possibly beyond. pic.twitter.com/hHFmT7MWfP
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 20, 2025

Who will replace Bryce Young?

With Young expected to miss Sunday's game, the Panthers will now turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton against the Bills. Dalton has been with Carolina since the 2023 season and has started six games in that time frame.

As of Monday, the Panthers do not have a third quarterback on the active roster and the lone quarterback on the practice squad is former Detroit Lions third-round pick Hendon Hooker. While Carolina could certainly elevate Hooker for Sunday's game, the likely scenario would be to sign a veteran quarterback to back up Dalton against Buffalo.

Available options include Taylor Heinicke, Tim Boyle, Desmond Ridder and more. It'll be interesting to see exactly what route the Panthers choose to go.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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