Was Bryce Young benched after Panthers' 0-2 start to the season? Exploring rookie QB's situation

No. Bryce Young was not benched by the Carolina Panthers after their winless start to the 2023 NFL season. Actually, the first overall pick of the 2023 Draft has sustained an injury and thus missed the Panthers' latest training session.

As such, veteran backup QB Andy Dalton is likely to start the Panthers' week three game against the Seattle Seahawks. Young sustained an ankle issue in week two, and he looks unlikely to feature against the Seahawks.

The Panthers franchise QB missed Thursday's practice but was on the field during the portion of training open to the media and stood with the rest of the offensive players.

Bryce Young injury update: When will the Panthers QB return to action?

Alabama Crimson Tide alum Bryce Young was selected as the first overall pick of the latest draft. He was named the Panthers' starter during the preseason and started the first two games of his NFL career.

However, Young sustained an ankle injury in the team's loss to the New Orleans Saints and looks to sit out his team's next game against the Seattle Seahawks. Young is unlikely to suit up in week three, as the Panthers medical staff monitor his fitness.

It is important to note that while Young is expected to be out on Sunday, it's not a guaranteed sit. The Panthers released a statement saying that "he is not expected to play."

Such a statement either means that he will be available in a limited capacity on Sunday or that he will return to action in week four. Young's status should be more precise in the coming days.

How has Bryce Young performed in his rookie season?

Bryce Young has been decent in his first two NFL games. The number one pick of the 2023 Draft was a college superstar with the Alabama Crimson Tide, regularly dominating the collegiate scene under the helm of Nick Saban.

However, upon coming into the NFL, it quickly became apparent that it was a different ball game.

Young's debut came against the Atlanta Falcons; the game was a feisty affair, as both teams wanted to start their season with the W. Eventually, the Falcons triumphed over Young's Panthers, with Young throwing a touchdown and having two interceptions in his NFL bow.

Young's next game was against Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints, in a winnable game for his franchise. However, Young and the Panthers slumped to their second straight loss, 20-17.

This time, Young threw for one touchdown and zero interceptions in a losing effort. It remains to be seen whether he will play in week 3, as he is battling with an ankle knock sustained against the Saints.