Quarterback Andy Dalton was not active for the Carolina Panthers’ game against Denver on Sunday, leaving rookie Jack Plummer to support Bryce Young.
The Panthers, who have had many injuries, returned to Young, the first pick in the 2023 draft, after Dalton, who started the last five games for Carolina (1-6), hurt his right thumb in a car accident on Tuesday.
The Panthers wanted Dalton to back up Young against the Broncos, but he didn’t practice all week because he couldn’t grip the football. The team promoted Plummer from their practice squad on Saturday.
Young, who has a record of 2-16 in his career and is 0-2 this season, will be without starting wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen in Denver.
Johnson, who has been discussed in trade talks, was ruled out after not practicing all week due to a rib injury. Thielen has missed the last four games because of a hamstring injury but was eligible to return this week.
The Panthers also ruled out safeties Nick Scott (hamstring), Jammie Robinson (knee), and Jordan Fuller (hamstring), as well as linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps).
Safety P.J. Locke (thumb) was also not active for Denver.
