Fantasy Football News: Bryce Young Ruled Out Week 8 with High Ankle Sprain

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has been officially ruled out for Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills after suffering a high ankle sprain during last Sunday's victory over the New York Jets. The injury occurred late in the third quarter, forcing Andy Dalton into action to help secure the 13-6 win that improved the Panthers to 4-3.

This development represents a devastating blow to fantasy managers who had invested in Young's recent upward trajectory. The second-year quarterback was completing 61.6% of his passes for 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions across seven games this season, showing marked improvement from his rookie campaign. His 13.2 fantasy points per game average had him emerging as a viable streaming option in deeper leagues.

Fantasy Impact

Young's absence creates immediate ripple effects across multiple fantasy positions. The Panthers' passing attack, which had been gaining momentum with Young at the helm, now shifts to veteran Andy Dalton. According to ESPN, Dalton will start regardless of Young's game-day status, marking his first start of the 2025 season.

Dalton's fantasy ceiling remains limited despite his extensive experience. The 37-year-old has posted a 1-5 record in his previous six starts for Carolina since joining the team in 2023. His career 84-82-2 record across 168 starts ranks fifth among active quarterbacks, but his game-managing style offers minimal upside for fantasy purposes. In limited action this season, Dalton has completed 9 of 13 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown, producing a respectable 123.24 passer rating.

The injury timeline suggests Young could miss multiple weeks. High ankle sprains typically require 2-4 weeks for full recovery, particularly for mobile quarterbacks who rely on their mobility. ESPN sources indicate the Panthers hope Young returns for Week 9 against Green Bay, but the team's cautious approach throughout the week suggests they won't rush him back prematurely.

Panthers skill position players face varying impacts from the quarterback change. Wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen should maintain target share with Dalton, who historically has favored short-to-intermediate routes that suit both players' skill sets. Running back Chuba Hubbard, who returned from his own injury last week, could see increased carries as the Panthers lean more heavily on their ground game with their backup quarterback.

Next Steps

Fantasy managers rostering Young should immediately explore waiver wire alternatives or activate backup quarterbacks. His injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time, as the Panthers had won three straight games for the first time since 2021, suggesting improved offensive continuity that could have benefited Young's fantasy production.

Monitor Young's practice participation throughout next week for clearer indication of his Week 9 availability. The Panthers added quarterback Mike White to their practice squad earlier this week, signaling preparation for a potentially extended absence.

For managers considering Dalton as a streaming option, his matchup against Buffalo presents moderate appeal. The Bills defense has dealt with injury concerns of their own, and Carolina's improved rushing attack could create favorable game script opportunities for short passing situations. However, treat Dalton as a low-end QB2 option rather than a high-ceiling play, as his conservative approach limits explosive fantasy performances.

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