Andy Dalton Played Through Broken Thumb in Panthers’ Loss to Bills

The Carolina Panthers’ Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills was a difficult outing from the opening kickoff — and it turns out quarterback Andy Dalton was fighting more than just Buffalo’s defense. The veteran signal-caller, starting in place of the injured Bryce Young, later admitted he had suffered a broken thumb early in the game but chose not to tell the coaching staff.

Dalton’s performance reflected visible discomfort as the Panthers struggled to move the ball, but few realized the extent of his injury until afterward. Speaking with reporters this week, the 36-year-old explained that he didn’t initially think the injury was serious enough to mention.

“For me, I didn’t know what had happened,” Dalton said, via Panthers reporter Sheena Quick. “I knew that I had it hit, and I still felt like I could function normally, so I didn’t even think it was worth anything to talk about.”

Quick later reported that Dalton’s thumb is now “cartoonishly swollen,” underscoring how much the quarterback endured during the game.

1. Teammates Praise Dalton’s Toughness

Dalton’s willingness to play through injury didn’t go unnoticed inside the Panthers locker room. Bryce Young, who missed the game while recovering from his own injury, said he was likely the only person aware of Dalton’s thumb issue during the game. “I know it was the first pass attempt,” Young recalled. “He came out and obviously didn’t know what it was, but he mentioned it, and of course, he wasn’t looking to come out or anything. That speaks to his character and the warrior he is.” Young added that Dalton’s competitive mindset made it difficult for him to step aside, even with a painful injury to his throwing hand. “Him pushing through that with a broken right thumb, that’s not comfortable,” Young said. Dalton’s perseverance fits the reputation he has built over 13 NFL seasons — a respected veteran known for leadership and durability. While his play suffered under the circumstances, teammates viewed his effort as an example of grit amid a tough season.

2. Next Steps and Outlook for Carolina

The Panthers have not yet announced Dalton’s status for Week 9, but with Bryce Young expected to return, Dalton may get time to rest and heal. He mentioned this wasn’t the first time he’s broken his thumb, adding that he still felt capable of throwing despite the pain. “It’s not ideal, but I can still work. I can still throw the ball,” Dalton said, noting that he tried to push through until the end. However, the swelling and limited mobility have raised questions about his ability to handle backup duties until the injury improves. For the Panthers, Dalton’s injury is another hurdle in a season filled with setbacks. Carolina sits near the bottom of the NFC standings, struggling to establish consistency under head coach Dave Canales. While Young’s return should boost the offense, the team’s lack of depth and protection issues have been ongoing concerns. Still, Dalton’s resilience has resonated inside the locker room — a reminder of the veteran leadership he brings, even in difficult circumstances. His decision to play through pain may not have changed the outcome in Buffalo, but it left a lasting impression on his teammates.

3. Young’s Return Could Offer a Reset

With Bryce Young likely to resume starting duties in Week 9, Carolina will look to regain some offensive rhythm. The former No. 1 overall pick missed the Bills game with a minor injury but has been cleared to return to practice. Having Dalton available as a mentor — even while sidelined — will continue to be a valuable asset for Young’s development. The two quarterbacks have built a strong rapport, with Young often crediting Dalton for his guidance during film sessions and game preparation. The Panthers’ coaching staff will monitor Dalton’s recovery closely, ensuring he doesn’t aggravate the injury further. If all goes well, he could return to full participation later in the month, though the team has no reason to rush him back given Young’s expected availability. Carolina’s focus now shifts toward building stability and avoiding further injuries. For Dalton, the priority is simple: recover, regroup, and continue to serve as a leader both on and off the field.