Panthers uncertain of Bryce Young’s status next week

Rookie quarterback Bryce Young will accompany the Carolina Panthers to their NFL game on Sunday, but he won’t be able to play because of an ankle injury. And Carolina coach Frank Reich said there’s no guarantee the former Alabama All-American will be able to play in next week’s game either.

“Docs are saying one to two weeks,” Reich said on Friday. “I think Bryce has done well this week. I’m optimistic that he’s on the right path and that whatever the soonest he can get back is, he will get back. And when he gets back and when he’s cleared, he’s our guy and he’ll be ready to go.”

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The No. 1 choice in the NFL Draft on April 27, Young started the Panthers’ first two games of the season. He sustained an ankle injury in Monday night’s 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. But he finished the game, making his absence from practice this week a surprise.

Reich described Young’s injury as “in the ankle-sprain category.”

“To Bryce’s credit, just played through it -- the adrenaline and the competitor in him,” Reich said. “Listen, every player, probably everybody here at some point has kind of worked through a sprained ankle -- different kinds of sprains and all that stuff. But I’m sure playing on it during the game, it just got worse and worse, and then, of course, once you start moving around it really pops its ugly head.”

Carolina will start Andy Dalton against the Seattle Seahawks at 3:05 p.m. CDT Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle.

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“(Bryce) has been cleared to go on the trip, continue the treatment,” Reich said. “And even though he can’t play just still be good for him to be there in that environment, feel that and certainly see how Andy operates as well.”

Dalton will start for the 168th time in an NFL regular-season game on Sunday. He’ll become the 28th quarterback to make at least that many regular-season starts in the NFL since 1950.

“This guy is starter-worthy,” Reich said. “In my mind, in my opinion, one of the best 32 quarterbacks in the world, so I’m really glad we have him for situations like this. He’s had a really good week of practice and looking forward to seeing him play.”

Jake Luton will come up from the Panthers’ practice squad to back up Dalton on Sunday.

Reich said Dalton understands that regardless of how he plays against the Seahawks, Young will be back in the lineup when he’s healthy. But Carolina isn’t completely sure that will be in time for the Oct. 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

“I think if he stays on the same course that he’s on, I think there’s a chance,” Reich said. “But again, I’m not the doctor. I tend to be a little too optimistic sometimes in these situations. But I’m really encouraged at the progress that he’s made.”

In his NFL debut, Young completed 20-of-38 passes for 146 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and ran for 17 yards on three carries in a 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10.

Against New Orleans, Young completed 22-of-33 passes for 153 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and ran for 34 yards on three carries.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.