CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As his teammates returned to work Wednesday on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium, quarterback Bryce Young worked on the side, attempting to strengthen his injured right ankle.
Young did not appear to walk with a limp and, while he did not practice, he remains listed on the NFL injury report as day-to-day. He threw a few passes during the time the media was allowed to watch.
Young sprained his ankle during the third quarter of last Sunday’s 13-6 victory over the host New York Jets. He did not return. Backup Andy Dalton took first-team reps Wednesday. Hendon Hooker was elevated from the backup squad to assume the No. 2 role. Veteran Mike White was signed to the practice squad Tuesday.
“He’s pushing and he’s trying and he’s determined to make himself available for Sunday,” Canales said during his post-practice press conference. “If Bryce is ready to go, he’s going to go. The rest of the factors, like they all want Bryce to go, Andy included. While he would love to get out there and play. He’s chomping at the bit.
“We’ve got to do what’s best for Bryce first and foremost, and we’ll go from there.”
Young, in third season, has missed just one game because of injury (Week 3 in 2023).
#Panthers quarterback Bryce Young does not appear to be walking with a limp during Wednesday’s NFL practice. Could he be trending to start vs. visiting #Bills on Sunday? … pic.twitter.com/x6b8LSoZCc
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) October 22, 2025
Injured Robert Hunt Returns To Carolina Panthers’ Practice
Could Robert Hunt return this season?
Canales suggested that possibility after the right guard returned to the practice field Wednesday, wearing an extended brace on his right arm.
Since he tore a biceps tendon during the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Hunt has maintained a connection with his teammates via meetings and sideline support. His return was limited to continuing his rehab work.
A torn biceps generally takes 12 weeks to make a full recovery. For the first time, Canales said there’s a chance Hunt could return following the Week 14 bye.
“Yeah, he’s coming along,” Canales said. “They say he’s ahead of schedule. It was good to have Rob on the grass, moving around and they’re working on all the range of motion stuff. So we’ll see where we’re at you know I think it’s timeline is somewhere around the bye week so that could be something down the road.”
Left guard Damien Lewis, who missed last Sunday’s start because of a shoulder injury, returned to practice, but was limited.
#Panthers’ Robert Hunt, right, worked out on the side during Wednesday’s #NFL practice. Coach Dave Canales said the starting right guard could return from a torn biceps injury following the Week 14 bye … pic.twitter.com/4iSsLqqxPB
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) October 23, 2025
QB Mike White Makes Practice Debut
With questions surrounding the quarterback room, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan secured some insurance by inking the journeyman White, who spent time with the Buffalo Bills last season.
The Bills (4-2) visit the Panthers (4-3), winners of three straight, Sunday.
Canales said White’s knowledge of the Bills’ system attracted the Panthers.
“Heard a lot of great stuff about him,” Canales said. “His reputation preceded him coming this way. He was interested in coming and being here in case we get to a situation where we might need him long-term. So, it’s just good to be able to get my eyes on him for the first time.
“And also, he’s got a little Bills background too, so just trying to compete in any which way we can.”
#Panthers coach Dave Canales, a winner of three straight games for the first time in his career, overlooks Wednesday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/8ywBrPM3Wd
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) October 22, 2025
