The Carolina Panthers head into their Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills with plenty of uncertainty around who will ultimately be under center for the team. However, Panthers starting quarterback Bryce Young shared a strong message in regards to his status for the game.
Young was forced to exit the team’s Week 7 win over the New York Jets after sustaining an ankle injury that was later deemed to be a high ankle sprain.
In the lead-up to their Week 8 game at home against Buffalo, Young has been present at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but has been unable to take part in anything more than light jogging. Meanwhile, veteran backup Andy Dalton has taken all of the snaps with the first team, leading most to assume that it will be Dalton under center in Week 8.
Despite all of the signs pointing towards Dalton leading the Panthers on Sunday, Young is seemingly not ready to rule himself out for the game just yet.
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Speaking with reporters after practice on Thursday, Young made it clear that he will be suiting up for the game if the Panthers’ training staff feels that he is healthy enough to take the field.
“We’re just taking it day by day, so I haven’t really gotten that far yet,” said Young when asked by reporters if he will be playing. “If I can play, I will play. Of course, want to do what is best for the team. I want to make sure there is trust in the training staff. But if there is any way that I can (play), I always want to. It’s the competitor in me. What I do for a living is a blessing I don’t take for granted. So if I am able to, I want to.”
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Given the fact that Carolina sits squarely in the mix to contend for a playoff spot at 4-3 on the season, it sure seems like the Panthers will likely want to exercise caution and not risk further damage to Young’s ankle if there is any doubt about his health.
Still, it seems as if there is at least an outside chance for Young to suit up.
Whoever ends up being under center for the Panthers will be tasked with attempting to keep the winning ways going for Carolina, as they are currently on a three-game winning streak.
So it is certainly safe to say that regardless of whether it is Bryce Young or Andy Dalton under center for the Panthers, there will be plenty of pressure to perform against a Bills team hungry to bring an end to their two-game losing streak.
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