QB decision will be based on Bryce Young’s health alone
Canales pointed to the stability around the quarterback position as a reason they could succeed if Andy Dalton needed to play this week, since everything is more stable than last year, when he took over in Week 3 and stayed in the lineup until he was in a car crash, and Bryce Young went back into the lineup in Denver in Week 8.
“I think it’s a collective thing,” Canales said. “It’s about our processes, how we handle the work week, and those rhythms are very familiar to our players now, going into our second year. That part allows us to lay the foundation for fundamental improvement and execution.
“If Andy does have to play, have full confidence being able to just call the game the same way I would normally call it and have the balance and be attacking and aggressive in our spots. So he gives us an opportunity to keep pushing our football forward, which I love.”
When asked if that gave him the luxury of time to make a decision, Canales said it would only be based on Young’s health.
“If Bryce is ready to go, he’s going to go, and the rest of the factors, like they all want Bryce to go, Andy included,” Canales said. “While he would love to get out there and play, he’s chomping at the bit. At this point in his career, he’s like, any chance I get to get out there, whether it’s finishing a game or going into a game, he’s got a lot of gratitude about the opportunity potentially.
“But we’ve got to do what’s best for Bryce first and foremost, and we’ll go from there.”