Andy Dalton, Diontae Johnson injury updates: Panthers release Friday practice report

Carolina Panthers (1-6) quarterback Bryce Young will be back under center in Sunday’s Week 8 road tilt against the Denver Broncos (4-3), however, he will not have his full complement of receivers.

The Panthers announced Friday that receivers Diontae Johnson (rib) and Adam Thielen (hamstring) are out for Sunday’s game. The latter has been sidelined since Week 4, while Johnson has not practiced this week with his injury.

Young, benched in favor of Andy Dalton just two games into the season, is starting this week after the 36-year-old was involved in a car accident in Charlotte on Tuesday. Dalton (right thumb) is listed as doubtful against Denver, though Carolina is waiting to see if he can return to backup Young.

“Andy Dalton was in a car accident with his family, with JJ and the kids. Scary moment for sure, everyone was okay, everyone was healthy. Unfortunately, in the accident he did sprain his thumb. So, Bryce will be playing this week for us,” head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday. “We’ll be evaluating Andy day to day going into this weekend to see if we can get him up as the two on game day.”

Panthers giving Bryce Young another chance in Week 8 vs. Broncos

In the Panthers’ two losses to open the season, Young completed 31-of-56 passes for 245 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. It won’t get any easier for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, going up against the league’s No. 3 ranked defense. Not having Johnson at his disposal is a negative, as the 28-year-old leads the Panthers with 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns.

“My job is always, no matter what, it would be the same level of preparation. You always have to prepare like you’re going to play no matter where it is. So, it doesn’t change my approach or anything,” Young said, via the team’s official website.

“For me, I never was out of it. That’s just out of respect for the game and respect for the team and knowing just how the league is. There’s never a, take a step back or phone it in for a week. I have too much love for a game to do that.”

Also listed as out are safeties Jammie Robinson (knee), Nick Scott (hamstring), and Jordan Fuller (hamstring), along with outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps). Running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) and cornerback Dane Jackson (hamstring) are doubtful.