Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton was in an automobile accident in North Carolina on Tuesday afternoon. Dalton, his wife Jordan, his three children, and their dog were in the car during the collision, but no one needed medical attention.
The Panthers’ medical staff evaluated the quarterback after the event, and his injury status is unknown. The Panthers will practice on Wednesday and may have additional information about Dalton’s mishap when they address the media.
The Queen City News reported that Dalton and his family were driving west on Sardis Road in south Charlotte when the collision occurred. After losing out to Dalton, Bryce Young would start Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos if the 36-year-old is out.
After losing its first two games to the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, Carolina head coach Dave Canales benched Young in favor of Dalton to improve the team’s chances. The veteran quarterback completed 26-of-37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns against the Raiders.
After that, the Panthers lost their next four games, including a 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite the Panthers’ struggles after a quarterback change, Young continues to stay positive for Dalton and the squad.
After the Panthers’ loss against the Commanders, the young quarterback spoke reporters about his unusual situation and how he might best support Dalton. “I’m grateful for every field appearance. “I don’t take that for granted,” Young told ESPN.
“I sympathize with Andy’s underperformance. I’m talking to him and helping him on the sideline.”
Not only was Young helping the team in any way he could. After losing to Washington, Dalton told reporters that the Panthers needed to self-reflect and figure out why they continued losing to go forward.
“We have to put this behind us,” the veteran told USA Today. But we must look in the mirror and ask, ‘Alright, why do these games keep going like this?'” I think that’s biggest. We’ll revisit numerous small matters and declare certain things must happen.
“We must understand everything we do. When you don’t, Sunday happens. Everyone must be honest and authentic. I also chat to myself.”
After Dalton’s accident, the team’s strategy and starting quarterback versus the Broncos are unknown.