The Carolina Panthers made their second quarterback change of the season this week, even if it wasn’t their choice. Thanks to Andy Dalton’s thumb injuryBryce Young will receive the ball in today’s road game against the Denver Broncos. This will be his first start since Weeks 1 and 2, when Young played as poorly as any NFL starter.

However, if Young can turn things around, it appears he still has a chance of getting his old job back. According to a report from Ian Rapoport on NFL NetworkYoung can once again secure Carolina’s QB1 job — if he can live up to his potential.

“After five weeks of waiting, learning and playing quarterback on the scout team, Young has the opportunity to return to his old role. Young is back in the lineup in place of Andy Daltonwho suffered a slight sprain to his thumb during a car accident this week. If Young lives up to his talents, there’s a real chance he could continue to start, sources say.”

It’s a good idea, but Young isn’t exactly ready to pull it off, at least not this week. Two of the team’s top three receivers (Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen) were ruled out for today’s game, and the Broncos have one of the strongest defensive units in the league. Denver’s defense ranks third in points, yards and DVOA and second in sacks. The following week won’t get any easier if Bryce Young is still in the lineup – as the New Orleans Saints have proven to be poison for the Panthers’ former number one pick.

Facing the New York Giants in Germany to kick off Week 10 is Young’s best chance to impress before the bye week. If he fails to show real progress by the end of this game, it’s hard to imagine Young having a future with this franchise – and there’s no guarantee the Panthers will continue to let him start beyond this afternoon.

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