Andy Dalton injury update: Panthers QB returns to practice for first time since car accident

Carolina Panthers (1-7) quarterback Andy Dalton returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since he and his family were involved in a car accident in Charlotte last Tuesday.

Dalton had his right thumb wrapped after injuring it in the accident, per Joe Person of The Athletic.

Looks like Andy Dalton is going to do some degree of practicing today. His right thumb is still wrapped. pic.twitter.com/62g55b43h8

— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 30, 2024

Dalton, 37, did not play in this past Sunday’s 28-14 Week 8 road defeat to the Denver Broncos (5-3). Bryce Young, benched after Week 2 in favor of Dalton, returned to the starting lineup. He completed 24-of-37 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Young and the offense’s overall performance was mired by inconsistency. Carolina gained 142 of its 284 total yards on its two scoring possessions. They gained just six first downs on the nine other drives.

Dave Canales undecided between Bryce Young, Andy Dalton in Week 9 vs. Saints

Dalton initially provided a spark to the offense, leading the Panthers to a Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders (2-6). He threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns against Las Vegas but has tossed six interceptions in his last 13 quarters of play.

Head coach Dave Canales has not yet decided who will be under center in this Sunday’s Week 9 home matchup against the New Orleans Saints (2-6).

“It is gonna be a couple of days,” Canales said Monday. “These are really important days. The next few, really getting all the way out there to Wednesday to play some live snaps and to do that. So, I’ll give you guys more information about that. But we really have to look at Andy. Where he’s at in the next couple of days to make a decision.”