Andy Dalton inactive at Denver, leaving rookie quarterback Jack Plummer to back up Bryce Young

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DENVER (AP) — Quarterback Andy Dalton was deactivated for the Carolina Panthers' game at Denver on Sunday, leaving rookie Jack Plummer to back up Bryce Young.

The injury-riddled Panthers went back to Young, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023, after Dalton, who had started the past five games for Carolina (1-6), sprained the thumb on his right throwing hand in an auto accident on Tuesday.

The Panthers had hoped to have Dalton serve as Young's backup against the Broncos but he didn't practice all week because of his inability to grip the football. The Panthers promoted Plummer from their practice squad Saturday.

Young, who is 2-16 in his career and 0-2 this season, will be without starting wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen in Denver. Johnson, who has been the subject of trade rumors, was ruled out after missing practice all week with a rib injury. Thielen has missed the past four games with a hamstring injury, but was eligible to return this week.

The Panthers also ruled out safeties Nick Scott (hamstring), Jammie Robinson (knee) and Jordan Fuller (hamstring) and linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps).

Safety P.J. Locke (thumb) was among Denver's inactives.

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