CHARLOTTE – It's a double Victory Monday in Charlotte, as both the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are coming off wins. In the Panthers clubhouse, the win provides a much lighter flight across the pond this week as the team prepares to face the Giants in Munich, Germany, for Week 10.

Before we fully turn our sights to schnitzel and pints, though, let's wrap up Sunday's 23-22 win against the New Orleans Saints and break down another news coach, Dave Canales shared on Monday.

No QB decision as of today

Canales wasn't ready to name a starting quarterback for the Giants game on Monday. As Andy Dalton continues to improve from a sprained thumb and Bryce Young is coming off a win against the Saints, the Panthers are in a more enviable position than they were the previous two times quarterback changes were made this season.

As to not naming – much less announcing – a starter on Monday, Canales admitted some of it is gamesmanship, and some of it is simply not having an answer yet.

"It's both, it's all of it," Canales said. "It's just making sure that we make the right decision first for all for us, but then also, just making sure –there's a component of it too, like the sooner (the Giants) know who they're game planning for, the sooner they can get it.

"So, there's no competitive advantage to making that decision. But mostly, it's just about us taking all the information that we have right now."

Asked if he's mentioned any sort of decision to Dalton or Young, Canales said no conversations have taken place, reiterating that is because there is no conversation yet to be had.

After making a QB change in Week 3, Canales said he felt Dalton gave the team the best chance to win, a point proven with a win against Las Vegas. The Panthers dropped the next five, including a Week 8 matchup against the Broncos that saw Young step in following Dalton being involved in a minor car accident that left his thumb sprained.

Dalton was able to practice all of last week, but the Panthers elected to start Young against the Saints to give the veteran more time to heal. Young's game-winning touchdown drive and development, along with three rookie pass-catchers, will all factor into a decision, Canales explained.

"I thought it was great just Bryce being out there playing more football, you know, taking some steps," Canales said.

"I know that being out there with that group of receivers, and just getting the chemistry of how guys are going to respond with different coverages, different leverages, to see the guys that can make plays for him and for Bryce to take advantage of some of those opportunities."

Long and short-term injury updates

The Panthers could be getting some production on the roster this week. Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is in the waning hours of his 21-day window, and a decision must be made whether or not to active him by Wednesday.

Canales told reporters on Monday that coaches are "optimistic" he will be ready. Brooks and rookie defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy are the two decisions the Panthers have to make this week.

There was a trio of in-game injuries on Sunday: receiver Jalen Coker (shoulder), receiver Xavier Legette (hand), and linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, but all three returned to play. It exhibited a mindset that Canales wants to see from his team.

"Just the fight that these guys are showing for each other, to be back out there and to be able to finish the way we did, was awesome," Canales said.

Additionally, outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum and receiver Adam Thielen are "trending toward" returning, according to Canales.

Thielen has been on injured reserve since suffering a hamstring injury in the Week 3 win against Las Vegas. He was required to stay on IR for four weeks. The extra time since has seen the veteran receiver pushing but not quite being ready to retake the field.

"Feeling good, just wasn't ready to play in the last two weeks," Thielen explained Monday. "Obviously tried to give it a go. I'm trying everything to get back on the field. I love to compete. I love to be out there with my guys. And just trying everything I can to get back out there, but the last couple of weeks wasn't quite there; couldn't do my job at a high enough ability to help this team win. So, try again these next few days."

In Thielen's absence, the Panthers have leaned on a duo of rookie pass catchers, Legette and Coker. But the veteran receiver isn't counting himself out with half a season to go.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I haven't (struggled emotionally) because I love the game so much, and I love being out there, and again, I'll reiterate, I feel like I still have a lot to give to this game," Thielen admitted.

"So, yeah, is it difficult not being out there? Yeah. But at the end of the day, I'm going to control the things I control, and one of the things I can't control is being on the field right now."

Christensen still waiting on his assignment

Brady Christensen's versatility means he can play multiple spots along the offensive line. But that also means he can be assigned to multiple spots along the offensive line. After starting at center when Austin Corbett suffered a season-ending injury, Christensen was moved out to left tackle (where he played at BYU) this past week in place of the injured Ikem Ekwonu.

"It kind of took a couple of snaps to get back in the flow of things," Christensen admitted on Monday. "But left tackle was kind of where it all began. So, it did feel like I was going back home and, you know, it takes a little while to say hi to everyone when you go back home, and it's maybe a little awkward at first, but it felt good to be back there, and I had a great time out there."

As for this coming matchup against the Giants, Christensen still isn't sure where he'll start. It will depend on Ekwonu's status. That also means Christensen could draw two vastly different assignments.

At center, he could be blocking Dexter Lawrence, the Giants' 342-pound defensive nose tackle. If Christensen is at left tackle, he's defending the Giants pass-rusher – and former Panthers teammate – Brian Burns.

"They're two very different skill sets," Christensen noted. "Burns, he can bend like no other. He's 6-5 and long, and he can bend. And then Dexter Lawrence is just a massive human being, very strong. But he's very good with his hands. That's what sets him apart. He's not just a big man. He's very good technically. And with his hands, and he uses them very well, and he gets our hands off him. And so, it's a very difficult task either way."

Big man, get on your horse!

Xavier Legette's touchdown celebration has become quickly iconic. After every score, he mimes riding off on his horse, Dolla Bill. On Sunday, after scoring a 3-yard touchdown against the Saints, Legette rode off into the sunset (the sideline) and was joined by a posse that included Ja'Tavion Sanders, David Moore, and offensive guard Robert Hunt, which was objectively the best part.

Brady Christensen doesn't want to be left out of the fun, though. The next time Legette scores, he'll be ready to saddle up and ride.

"I was actually thinking about it. I was like, man, I need to practice that in front of the mirror, so I don't like to look like an idiot," Christensen laughed. "So maybe this week I'll practice it in front of the mirror, and if he scores again, I'll jump on board."