In the Carolina Panthers’ final preseason game, No. 1 NFL Draft pick Bryce Young threw his first pro touchdown pass.

As he did on Friday night against the Detroit Lions, Young had started the Panthers’ first two preseason games. While playing five series, the rookie quarterback had thrown 12 passes without getting Carolina in the end zone.

On the first series against the Lions, Young passed eight times, and while the Panthers moved 52 yards in 14 plays, they settled for a 41-yard field goal by Eddy Pineiro.

On Carolina’s second possession, Young moved the Panthers 57 yards in seven plays. The former Alabama All-American capped the series with a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Adam Thielen with 2:26 left in the first quarter.

That was enough for Panthers coach Frank Reich, who sent Andy Dalton out at quarterback when Carolina got the ball back.

Young finished his third preseason outing completing 7-of-12 passing for 73 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and 21 yards on three carries. For the preseason, Young was 14-of-24 for 129 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and four rushing attempts for 22 yards.

Young’s next start will be the Panthers’ regular-season opener. Carolina kicks off the 2023 NFL campaign with an NFC South game against the Atlanta Falcons at noon CDT Sept. 10 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young became the first No. 1 pick from Alabama since Harry Gilmer in 1948 when the Panthers picked him to kick off the 88th draft on April 27.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.