Sounds like Bryce Perkins was just signed to sop up some reps on Thursday ahead of cutdowns with Dalton and Bryce Young unlikely to play. Dalton should carry on as Young’s backup again in 2025 assuming Canales’ forecast for his injury holds.

Dalton completed 2-for-4 passes for 22 yards before leaving. The 37-year-old’s exit appears to be precautionary, but it’s plausible that Dalton will undergo testing to determine the severity of the injury. Jack Plummer has taken over at quarterback and likely will play the remainder of the contest.

Dalton briefly started for the Panthers in 2024, finishing with a 989/7/6 passing line in five starts before a car accident left him out long enough for Bryce Young to take the reins again. Young shockingly re-established himself as a starting option going forward down the stretch, leaving Dalton to the backup duties. Over his last five seasons as a backup, Dalton has thrown for 7,906 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in 35 starts. He’ll turn 38 in October. He is probably a mid-level backup quarterback at this point in his career, but Dalton is now at an age where a potential regression is firmly in play each season. This is a fine contract for that level of player.

Dalton was involved in a car crash early last week. He was not hospitalized but did suffer a sprained thumb, forcing him to miss Sunday’s game against the Broncos. Bryce Young returned to the lineup with predictably disappointing results. Denver bludgeoned Carolina in a 28-14 win for the Broncos. Dave Canales didn’t commit to a starting quarterback on Monday. If healthy, Dalton will presumably return to the starting lineup. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker will move up the wide receiver rankings with Dalton under center.