The Carolina Panthers will stick with rookie quarterback Bryce Young this week as the team prepares to face the San Francisco 49ers. Interim coach Chris Tabor confirmed on Monday that Young will remain the starter, despite speculation about potential changes after a difficult start to the season.

Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, was previously benched but returned with mixed results. Tabor stressed that the decision is based on long-term development rather than week-to-week reactions, as Carolina continues to search for stability on offense.

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49ers Matchup Comes With Emotional Christian McCaffrey Reunion

Sunday’s game brings an emotional twist as the Panthers face former franchise star Christian McCaffrey. The running back spent five seasons in Carolina before being traded in 2022 and has since become one of the league’s most dominant offensive players with the 49ers.

Young said the focus remains on execution, not storylines, while coaches acknowledged the significance of facing a longtime fan favorite. San Francisco enters the matchup as one of the strongest teams in the NFC and is expected to have McCaffrey fully available.

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Carolina Prioritizes Long-Term Development Over Short-Term Results

The Panthers currently rank among the league’s lowest offenses and continue to battle injuries across the offensive line and receiving group. Tabor emphasized that the franchise is “not looking for shortcuts” and will evaluate progress in protection, decision-making, and consistency.

Analysts say Young’s development remains Carolina’s primary objective, regardless of immediate results. The organization hopes that continued reps will help stabilize the quarterback position heading into the future.

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San Francisco Enters as Heavy NFC Favorite Ahead of Sunday’s Game

The 49ers remain one of the top contenders in the NFC and are widely expected to control the matchup based on their defensive strength and offensive depth. The Panthers, meanwhile, are focused on incremental improvement rather than the final score.

For Carolina, the game represents an opportunity to measure growth against one of the league’s toughest opponents—while facing a familiar star on the opposite sideline.

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