Frank Reich asked if injury to Austin Corbett affects Bryce Young’s starting status

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young hasn’t played under the most ideal conditions throughout his rookie season. And unfortunately, they got a lot less ideal this afternoon.

On Wednesday, the team announced that starting right guard Austin Corbett will miss the remainder of the 2023 campaign due to a knee injury. Corbett is now the second starting offensive lineman to be shelved for the year, joining fellow guard Brady Christensen on injured reserve.

So, as they’re down another blocker, head coach Frank Reich was asked if Corbett’s injury gives him any pause about continuing to start Young.

“No,” he replied. “Bryce is our guy. Excited about the opportunities the last seven games that he has and that we have to make progress. We have a lot of resolve, determination to make that progress. We take it one week at a time, we continue to try and find ways to get that. Want Bryce leadin’ the way on that.”

Through his first nine career outings, Young has been pressured on 149 of his dropbacks (the fourth-most in the NFL) and sacked 36 times (third-most). Those numbers haven’t helped his individual ones either, as the 22-year-old has averaged just 187.0 passing yards per game with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Young also spoke about what the loss of Corbett means to the already struggling offense.

“It’s definitely a tough loss,” he said. “Definitely feel for Corbs—obviously with what he was goin’ through from last year, came over to the beginning of the year. Definitely, definitely feel for him. We all support him. And unfortunately, that’s just the rough part of the business.”

Well, the business may be getting even rougher for Young and the Panthers from here on out.