Bryce Young opened Thursday's OTAs with the Panthers' first-team offense according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.com.
Young has received ample reps in OTAs, including several with the first team but Thursday's practice marked the first time the No. 1 overall pick began the day with the first-team offense. When questioned about the decision, head coach Frank Reich said Young opening the day with the first team was "the next step." The Panthers still have mandatory minicamp next week and won't return to the practice field after that. Young appears to have usurped veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart and is trending toward starting in Week 1 if he continues to impress.