The Carlina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carolina selected Young to be their future quarterback and most expect him to be the Day 1 starter. However, the Panthers aren’t so eager to immediately hand over the starting job.
Carolina head coach Frank Reich has had plenty of positive things to say about Young recently. He said he “mentally and physically looks the part” in his first practice earlier this week. But it seems like Reich still wants Young to learn a little longer behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Reich decided on Saturday that Dalton will take first-team reps at Monday’s OTAs.
“Bryce will get a lot of reps,” Reich told reporters. “When he is ready, when it’s best for the team, we’ll make the transition. When we come back out Monday, Andy (Dalton) will be taking the reps with the ones. Bryce (Young) will be with the two’s.”
It’s not uncommon for a rookie quarterback to come into camp as the backup. However, it’s not exactly a popular decision from Reich. Many questioned his judgment and believed that Young should get as many first-team reps as possible.
Young will almost certainly still be the No. 1 quarterback when the team plays their Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons. However, fans are concerned that the lack of first-team reps could affect Young’s development as a player.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.