In a surprising turn of events, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young found himself benched for this Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This decision has ignited a flurry of trade rumors and speculation about what lies ahead for the former No. 1 pick.
According to sources close to the situation, this benching is being viewed more as a “timeout” rather than a long-term banishment from the starting role. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that while Young is currently sidelined, there is a strong belief that he will return to the field once again. “The belief is Young will be back, sources say, and when he is, this time off the field will benefit him,” Rapoport stated.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Young’s future, it seems that fans may not have seen the last of him in his second season in the NFL.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales quickly put an end to any trade rumors that may have been circulating following Young’s benching. Just two days after the announcement, Canales clarified that the decision to sit Young was his alone. He opted to give backup Andy Dalton the starting nod in an effort to give the team the best chance to win. Canales did not provide a specific timeline for when Young may reclaim his spot as the starting quarterback.
Young’s performance this season has left much to be desired, with the young signal-caller managing to win only two out of the games he started in the 2023 season. Thus far, Young has completed just 31 of 56 passes for 245 yards, failing to throw a single touchdown while tossing three interceptions. He has also been sacked six times, and the Panthers have only mustered a measly 13 points in their first two games of the season.
As the Panthers navigate through this turbulent period, all eyes will be on Bryce Young and how he responds to this setback as he seeks to reclaim his spot as the team’s starting quarterback.
