Why letting QB Bryce Young play in preseason finale is smart for Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are finally giving second-year quarterback Bryce Young the preseason reps he probably needs.

According to Eric Edholm of NFL.com, Panthers rookie head coach Dave Canales announced on Thursday that he plans to play Young and Carolina's starters in Saturday's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. Canales didn't specify how long they'll play and said he'll base that on "feel."

Unlike last preseason — when Young played on 54 snaps, per Kassidy Hill of the team website — he hasn't suited up in 2024. Sitting him in the first two preseason games seemed like a head-scratcher.

On Monday, Hill passed along the Panthers had finished installing their new offense about "10 days ago," so Young and Co. may need more time to work out any bugs before the regular season.

Young also must develop chemistry with his revamped receiving corps. This offseason, the Panthers traded for former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson and drafted South Carolina's Xavier Legette with the 32nd overall pick.

During his rookie season in 2023, former No. 1 overall pick Young fell short of expectations. According to ESPN's David Newton , Young had 11 touchdown passes, tied for the fewest in NFL history for a QB with at least 500 attempts. He also went 2-14 in 16 starts and posted a below-average 33.4 QBR.

To rub salt in the wound, Carolina passed on Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud (pick No. 2), who won 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Still, better weapons and a new coaching staff may help Young rebound this season. A solid preseason performance could be an excellent place to start.