Dave Canales reveals Andy Dalton sidelined with quad injury

The Panthers likely are on the lookout for an experienced backup quarterback now that Andy Dalton will be out for at least the next two weeks.

Carolina coach Dave Canales confirmed Dalton’s injury after the quarterback missed the Panthers annual Fan Fest this past week. The coach said that Dalton strained a quad muscle.

The injury is so new that Canales said it’s unclear how long the quarterback will miss.

“Andy has a quad injury right now. We’re just trying to get him back,” the Panthers coach told reporters at Carolina training camp.

“We’re not sure exactly,” on the timeline. “It’s a couple of weeks, but we’ll work him through it.”

Bryce Young, the top pick of last year’s NFL Draft, is the undisputed starter at quarterback. But he needs a backup, especially an experienced one. Dalton, the former TCU star, is 36 and served as the primary starter for teams for the first dozen years of this NFL career. However, he signed with the Panthers last season as a backup. He played in three games and started once, when Young couldn’t go because of an injury.

Rookie Jack Plummer moves to 2nd-team quarterback

Meanwhile, the only other quarterback the Panthers have under contract is rookie Jack Plummer. He played at Louisville, but wasn’t selected in April’s draft. He stepped in for Dalton and immediately felt some anxiety.

“It was good for Jack Plummer to get out there, to get those reps,” Canales said. “It was so good to see him work through (the jitters), settle himself and start making plays.”

Panthers signed former Cowboy DB

The Panthers start their preseason schedule this coming Thursday at New England. The schedule ends Aug. 24 against Buffalo. So Dalton could miss at least one game, if not more.

Carolina did make some roster moves Saturday. But the Panthers didn’t sign a quarterback. Instead, the team signed former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Anthony Brown after he went through a tryout. The Cowboys selected him in the sixth round of the 2016 draft. He spent seven seasons with the Cowboys. Then in 2023, Brown was on the practice squads of the Steelers, 49ers and Jets. To make room on the roster, the Panthers released defensive back Kiondre Thomas.

Earlier in the day, the Panthers picked up safety Clayton Isbell, To make room, they waived tight end Curtis Hodges.

The Panthers return to practice on Sunday. It’ll be the third time they’ve practiced in pads for training camp.