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Panthers Notebook: Andy Dalton Injured for Fan Fest; Bryce Young Under Pressure; WR Room Expanded

With Andy Dalton sidelined for Thursday night’s Fan Fest at Clemson, the Carolina Panthers seek to sign a new NFL backup quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers are on the lookout for a new backup quarterback. One with experience is likely preferred.  

Panthers Notebook: Andy Dalton Injured for Fan Fest

Andy Dalton sat out Thursday night’s Fan Fest at Clemson University with an injury and coach Dave Canales told reporters the 36-year veteran will be sidelined for at least a “couple weeks.” 

In his second year with the Panthers, Dalton participated in Wednesday’s workout at the Panthers’ new practice facility behind Bank of America Stadium. Undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Plummer received extra reps, opposite starter Bryce Young. 

“Andy’s got a quad injury right now, so we’re just trying to get him back,” Canales said, as reported by USA Today. “It’s a couple of weeks, but we’ll work him through it and it was good for Jack Plummer to get out there to get those reps. Started off that first possession missed a couple of open guys high, it’s part of the jitters. It’s so good to just see him work through that, settle himself, and start making plays.”   

No matter who the Panthers sign before Saturday’s practice in Charlotte, N.C., Plummer is expected to get extended playing time during next Thursday’s preseason opener at the New England Patriots. Young will start, but should receive limited snaps. 

“Jack’s going to play a lot and then we’re still working through getting another quarterback here for the time being while we don’t have Andy,” Canales stated. 

Ryan Tannehill remains one of the top free agents on the market, but the 35-year-old has been inconsistent and injury-prone the past few seasons. Other options include Trevor Siemian, AJ McCarron, Blaine Gabbert, and Brian Hoyer. 

After traveling back from Clemson, S.C., following Fan Fest, the Panthers will be off Friday. 

Bryce Young Under Fan Fest Pressure 

After enduring a franchise-worse 62 sacks last season, Young continued to face pressure Thursday. 

During the offseason program and the start of training camp last week, Canales has been preaching 2.7 seconds as the time he wanted Young to release most of his passes. Canales approved of his tempo, under duress, during Fan Fast. 

“Bryce did a great job of getting rid of it,” he said. “Some smart decisions. He managed a couple of kinda crazy plays out there. And I thought he did a good job of that.” 

On Young’s performance, Canales said: “He definitely is gonna be critical of himself on a couple of the plays. But I thought when we had the protection and the concepts were there, he nailed it. And he was accurate like we’ve seen all camp and that was so exciting to see.” 

Panthers Ink UDFA WR Tayvion Robinson 

Adding depth to the wide receiver room, the Panthers signed undrafted free agent Tayvion Robinson, who played two seasons at Kentucky after transferring from Virginia Tech.  

Robinson compiled 194 receptions for 2,604 yards and 14 touchdowns during his five-year college career. He also gives the Panthers an extra punt return candidate. Robinson spent part of the offseason with the Baltimore Ravens but was released on June 26. 

Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins is a two-time APSE award-winning sports writer with four decades of print and digital media experience. A freelancer since 2006, Hawkins spent his early career as a reporter/editor for various newspapers in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois.

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