The Carolina Panthers saw some positives out of some of their rookies their first pre-season game of the season. Most notably, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan showed that he absolutely belongs in this league. However, week two saw a devastating injury occur at the most important position.
Breaking: Panthers Suffer Devastating Quarterback Injury In Pre-Season Game Vs Texans
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales talks with an official during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales talks with an official during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
According to team reporter Darin Gannt, quarterback Andy Dalton will not return against the Houston Texans due to an injury to his right elbow. In the first quarter, Dalton was injured by a hit from Texans defensive lineman Danielle Hunter:
On the play, Dalton attempted a pass to Tetairoa McMillan, which fell incomplete on third-and-8, setting up a punt. The veteran quarterback was only on the field for one series, spanning seven total plays, before the injury sidelined him. Dalton went 2-of-4 with 22 yards and didn’t take a sack in his short stint. The Panthers were down 7-0 at the time of the injury and are now down 10-3 heading into halftime.
Quarterback Jack Plummer took over for Carolina. Plummer, an undrafted QB in 2024, has never played a snap of a regular season game. Former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young played the first two drives for Carolina, both also ending in punts. Before exiting the game, Young went 0-of-2, with a two-yard carry and a sack
Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks on from the field during the second half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks on from the field during the second half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dalton joined the Panthers in 2023. With the Panthers, he played in nine games, with six starts, has a 1-5 record as a starter, along with 1,350 total passing yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. He started five games last season, going 1-4.
In the team’s first preseason game of the 2025 season, Dalton went 13-of-19 with 101 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
The three-time Pro Bowler began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals as a second-round pick in 2011, playing there until 2019. He then joined the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints for a year each, before coming to Carolina. In his career, the 37-year-old has played in 175 games with 39,500 yards, 253 touchdowns and 150 interceptions.
Oct 27, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Here is a look at Dalton’s career stats:
Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws during training camp at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws during training camp at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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