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The Carolina Panthers had won three straight games heading into their matchup against the AFC heavyweights, the Buffalo Bills, in Week 8. However, they were quickly humbled by Josh Allen and company, 40-9. Starting quarterback Bryce Young watched that from the sidelines, with fans hopeful he’d return soon to keep them winning. The team’s former No. 1 pick suffered a high ankle sprain in Carolina’s Week 7 game against the New York Jets. Due to that, Andy Dalton took over quarterback duties in what was a blowout loss to the Bills. On Wednesday, the Panthers seemingly received a positive indicator that Young is moving towards that goal of returning to the field. According to The Athletic’s Joe Person, Young participated in team stretching on the field, something he hadn’t done last week. Additional footage surfaced online showing Young participating in quarterback drills and throwing passes, offering more potential evidence that he could return for his team’s next game. That will be another tough test, as Carolina faces Jordan Love and the potential Super Bowl-contending Green Bay Packers. Read more: Chiefs’ Andy Reid Addresses Isiah Pacheco Injury Status Before Bills CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 26: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium on October 26, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) The Panthers made a big move in taking Young as their No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and have continued to have faith in his abilities to lead the team to success. With Young at QB this season, Carolina appeared competitive enough to contend for a playoff spot in the NFC, potentially. However, their four wins are against the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Jets. In that Jets game, Young got sacked with 3:56 left in the third quarter, exited the game, and didn’t return. Dalton took over in the losing effort against Buffalo. Bryce Young’s high ankle sprain must be doing well to be practicing on a wet field. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/uOmKJip8Mv— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 29, 2025 Before his injury, Young had 1,288 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes on 138-of-225 completions for the season. He also provided a threat on the ground, as the team’s fourth-best in rushing yards, with 69 yards and a touchdown scored. Currently, the Panthers are 4-4, and competing with the Packers this week is no easy task. While the veteran Dalton is a solid backup, fans would likely prefer to have their franchise QB in the lineup. Read more: Giants Get Cam Skattebo Return Update After Surgery for Brutal Injury For more about the Carolina Panthers and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
