The Atlanta Falcons have a long-term quarterback question, but it revolves around trading Kirk Cousins ​​to rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft. That’s a very different drama than what the Carolina Panthers are dealing with now.

Carolina has benched starting quarterback Bryce Young on Monday, head coach Dave Canales confirmed in a press conference. Veteran signal caller Andy Dalton will take over as under center. The news had been reported earlier by several media outlets.

Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has endured a brutal start to his second professional season, completing just 55.4 percent of his passes for 245 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. The Panthers (0-2) have been outscored 73-13 through two weeks.

Instead of Young, Carolina selects Dalton, a 15-year veteran with 163 games as a starter, best known for his nine years as quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Canales didn’t explicitly say whether Young’s benching is merely a mental reset or a long-term decision. Either way, Carolina’s quarterback plans have an immediate impact on the Falcons, as the two NFC South opponents have a pair of matchups coming up.

Atlanta travels to Charlotte in Week 6 for a 4:25 p.m. kickoff against the Panthers on Oct. 13. They won’t meet again until the final week of the regular season, when the Falcons host Carolina on Jan. 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

But for now, the Falcons are focused on the present. The team’s biggest priority is Monday night’s 8:15 p.m. kickoff against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.