Dalton got off to a good start as he took over the starting role and threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns to defeat the Raiders. However, he has since cooled off and threw for just 93 yards in a loss to the Commanders in Week 7, the Panthers' fourth straight loss. Last Monday, Canales called the question of whether Young would start again “not unfounded.”

Inside the building, Young's commitment was praised. He will not only participate in the QB meetings, but also the protection meetings with the offensive linemen. He will help Dalton with stills on the sidelines during games. He was present instead of going to a dark place and sulking.

Backup QBs typically don't get practice reps with the starters during the week, but Young has been mixed in with them, especially during competitive periods, sources say. These reps have helped him stay fit and he has also been competitive with his starting defense in scout team reps.

Against the Broncos and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's outstanding team, Young won't have his starting receivers available. Adam Thielen, still recovering from a hamstring injury that put him on the injured list, has been ruled out. Diontae Johnson, who is struggling with a rib injury, is also out.

Receivers like Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo and David Moore have gotten plenty of practice reps with Thielen and Johnson.

“The guys that took the reps throughout the week,” Canales said Friday, “we feel good about the execution and the way the guys handled it and it's a great opportunity for them Guys.”