DENVER – Quarterback Andy Dalton was deactivated for the Carolina Panthers' game in Denver on Sunday, leaving rookie Jack Plummer as Bryce Younger's backup.
The injury-plagued Panthers returned Younger, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, after Dalton, who had started the last five games for Carolina (1-6), sprained his thumb. right in a car accident. on Tuesday.
The Panthers hoped to have Dalton serve as Younger's backup against the Broncos, but he did not practice all week due to his inability to catch the ball. The Panthers promoted Plummer from their practice squad on Saturday.
Younger, who is 2-16 in his career and 0-2 this season, will be without wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen in Denver. Johnson, who has been the subject of trade rumors, was ruled out after missing practice all week with a rib injury. Thielen has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury, but was eligible to return this week.
The Panthers also ruled out safeties Nick Scott (hamstring), Jammie Robinson (knee) and Jordan Fuller (hamstring) and linebacker DJ Wonnum (quadriceps).
Safety PJ Locke (thumb) was among Denver's inactives.
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