Analysis

Dalton's new extension includes $6 million guaranteed and carries a maximum value of $10 million with incentives, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. In nine appearances with Carolina over the last two seasons, the 37-year-old signal-caller has tossed nine touchdowns and six interceptions, with perhaps his most impactful contribution coming as a mentor for Bryce Young. Dalton will give the Panthers some stability in the quarterback room as Young looks to build on his Year 2 improvement.

Analysis

After the Panthers lost their first two games of the regular season by a combined 60 points, 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young was benched in favor of Dalton, who then made five consecutive starts before injuring his thumb in a car accident. Dalton initially provided Carolina's offense with a much-needed spark, throwing for five touchdowns and one interception over his first two starts, before regressing in his final three games. He's now finished the final season of a two-year, $10 million deal signed with Carolina in 2023, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 37-year-old is likely to serve as a backup quarterback again in 2025, whether with the Panthers or another team, if he decides to return for his 15th NFL season.

Analysis

After injuring his thumb in a car accident last week, Dalton was inactive for this past Sunday's loss to the Broncos, which opened the door for second-year quarterback Bryce Young to make his first start since Week 2. Though the veteran now appears to be fully recovered from the thumb injury, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that Young will continue to start over Dalton in a Week 9 matchup with the Saints, per Joe Person of The Athletic. Dalton will likely be active Sunday, but in the backup role he had filled in Weeks 1 and 2.

Analysis

Dalton was already projected to serve as no better than the No. 2 quarterback behind Bryce Young for Sunday's game after the former suffered a thumb sprain during a Tuesday car accident. However, Dalton was never able to get on the practice field during Week 8 prep, making his inactive status fully expected. Undrafted rookie Jack Plummer, who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, will serve as Young's backup Sunday, while Dalton will turn his attention to at least being able to dress for a Week 9 home divisional matchup against the Saints.

Analysis

Dalton missed a third straight practice Friday, and it looks like he's trending in the wrong direction to be available as Bryce Young's backup Week 8. The veteran signal-caller sustained a sprained thumb during a car accident Tuesday, but he otherwise avoided any major injuries. Pending both Dalton's health and Young's performance versus Denver, it remains to be seen who will start under center for the Panthers at home against the Saints in Week 9.

Analysis

Dalton is sitting out a second straight practice heading into Week 8 action. Panthers head coach Dave Canales has already stated that Bryce Young will start Sunday's contest against the Broncos, and it seems like practice squad quarterback Jack Plummer is trending toward working as the 2023 No. 1 overall pick's backup. Dalton is recovering from a sprained thumb he sustained in a car accident Tuesday, and he has yet to be officially ruled out for Week 8.

Analysis

Dalton was fortunate to avoid any major injuries in the accident, but the sprained thumb kept him from practicing Wednesday. The Panthers apparently aren't counting on Dalton healing up from the injury in time to play Sunday, and Young being named the starter this early in the week suggests that Dalton could miss games beyond Sunday. While Dalton hasn't officially been ruled out for the Week 8 contest yet, Jack Plummer will likely be elevated from the practice squad to work as Young's backup against the Broncos.

Analysis

The injury presumably stems from the car accident that Dalton was involved in a day earlier. Dalton's activity will warrant monitoring as the Panthers continue practicing Thursday and Friday, with the previously benched Bryce Young waiting in the wings should Dalton be unavailable to start Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Analysis

Dalton was involved in a car accident Tuesday, although he didn't require emergency medical attention after the incident. Still, it's no surprise to see the veteran quarterback held out of practice just one day removed from the accident. If Dalton is cleared to resume practicing Thursday and/or Friday, he may be in line to start Sunday's game in Denver, but the Panthers could also consider returning to Bryce Young under center, either for one game or on a more permanent basis. Dalton has led Carolina to 1-4 record while throwing for 989 yards (6.2 yards per attempt), seven touchdowns and six interceptions since taking over as the starter Week 3.