CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will not look back at his 54 passing yards last Sunday and dwell on their significance.
In the same fashion, Young refuses to over-reflect on his franchise-record 448-yard performance against the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 16.
Coming off last Sunday’s disappointing 27-10 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks (8-8), the Panthers have an opportunity to clinch an NFC South title with a win Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9).
Groomed in a here-and-now philosophy, Young often says “we want to go 1-0 this week,” indicating his focus remains on the next opponent.
Only.
“Good and bad come with sports and I think that’s the maturity you have to have at this level,” Young said during Tuesday’s press conference at Bank of America Stadium. “Coaches challenge us with it and you really have to take it to heart, good or bad.
“You have to have the same approach.”
Panthers coach Dave Canales said the attitude is an asset.
“What I’ve noticed about Bryce is he doesn’t get hung up on things that happen,” Canales said. “He moves on and that’s a really special trait to have. It’s really important for the big picture. Especially when you’re standing in front of the group, that this drive is going to be a touchdown drive, this next play is going to be a big one.
“To have that kind of salesmanship, it’s really important for the quarterback to have that. I see Bryce just step into the huddle with confidence every single play as if this is the best play that coach has ever called. It’s great to have that support.”
#Panthers QB Bryce Young’s emotions are apparent entering Saturday’s #NFL matchup at #Buccaneers, with an NFC South title at stake … pic.twitter.com/Lm7eYh8vCH
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 30, 2025
Injured Carolina Panthers G Robert Hunt Nearing Return?
Since Hunt departed Week 2 with a biceps injury, a series of players attempted to replace guard Robert Hunt, including Austin Corbett, Brady Christensen, Chandler Zavala and Jake Curhan.
Hunt could be returning to the starting lineup soon, whether it’s Saturday or a possible home wild card outing Jan. 10-12. Hunt was listed as a full participant during Tuesday’s walkthrough.
“He had another great day,” Canales said. “We were able to give him more (to do). We gotta push him a little bit more (Wednesday) as well.
“And we’ll have a couple more days to look at that, to make a decision for this week. Then we gotta see what happens. I wouldn’t say, ‘Yes, Rob’s going,’ but (Tuesday) was a step in the right direction.”
#Panthers G Robert Hunt (biceps) was a full participant at Tuesday’s #NFL walkthrough. While questionable to return Saturday at #Buccaneers , He spoke of the opportunity to win the NFC South in a winner-take-all (sort of) matchup… pic.twitter.com/0PMKkeNdju
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 30, 2025
Panthers Add TE Ross Dwelley To Practice Squad
With Ja’Tavion Sanders lost for the season with a broken ankle, the Panthers on Tuesday signed tight end Ross Dwelley to the practice squad.
A veteran of eight seasons, Dwelley, 30, appeared in 112 career games, posting 47 catches for 530 yards and five touchdowns.
The Panthers are planning to have three tight ends on the active roster Saturday: Tommy Tremble, rookie Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell.
#Panthers coach Dave Canales opens Tuesday’s #NFL presser as enthusiastic as ever entering a week 18 opportunity to clinch the NFC South … pic.twitter.com/VCdQO60uyl
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 30, 2025
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