North Charlotte Today

Andy Dalton returned to practice with the second unit this week, as confirmed by head coach Dave Canales. The decision was made to ensure starter Bryce Young's certainty and to accommodate Dalton's eagerness to return post-thumb injury. "It really was me taking the decision out of Andy's hands," Canales stated, emphasizing caution for Dalton’s recovery.

Canales refrained from making long-term decisions regarding the starting quarterback position. He had previously planned for Dalton to start before an accident but is currently focused on Sunday's game against the Saints. "Bryce will be starting this week," he said, adding that future decisions would depend on upcoming performances.

Running back Jonathan Brooks and linebacker D.J. Wonnum are nearing returns from injuries, having participated fully in practice. Brooks is in his third week of recovery from a knee injury, while Wonnum is returning after a quadriceps tear. "He looks awesome," Canales commented on Wonnum's progress.

The recent trade of wide receiver Diontae Johnson was addressed by Canales without delving into specifics. Johnson, traded for draft value due to his impending free agency, leaves opportunities for younger receivers. "We just kind of collected all the information and made the best decision for all of us," said Canales.

Cornerback Jaycee Horn expressed dissatisfaction despite personal achievements this season due to the team's overall performance. With 34 tackles and nine passes defended so far, Horn remains focused on team victories over individual success: "At the end of the day, it won't matter till we're winning."

Ahead of their matchup against New Orleans Saints at home, where they previously lost 47-10 in Week 1, Horn remarked that being 1-7 should be motivation enough without needing extra reminders from past games.

In roster updates, former Washington receiver Dax Milne joined Carolina’s practice squad Wednesday as an additional receiver with punt return capabilities following a stint with Raiders camp post-injury last year.