The Carolina Panthers kick off the 2026 NFL preseason on Thursday night, facing the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, with the game televised nationally on NBC and streamed on Peacock, NFL+ and Fubo.
While many of Carolina’s established starters are expected to sit out the extra preseason contest, Thursday’s game will provide the first extended look at several players competing for roster spots and playing time as the Panthers prepare for the 2026 season.
Head coach Dave Canales has already announced that veteran Kenny Pickett will start at quarterback, while Bryce Young and many of the team’s projected starters will not play.
The game also carries added significance as Panthers legend Luke Kuechly will be recognized during Hall of Fame festivities as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
🏟️ Game Information
Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Date: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
TV/Stream: NBC, NFL+, Fubo
What to Watch
Kenny Pickett gets the first opportunity
With Bryce Young sitting out the Hall of Fame Game, the Panthers will turn to Pickett, age 28, for the opening series.
Canales indicated Pickett, who signed with the team in March after stints in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Las Vegas, is expected to play only a handful of possessions before Carolina rotates to younger quarterbacks later in the evening.
Haynes King makes his NFL debut
One of the most intriguing storylines for North Carolina football fans is the expected debut of quarterback Haynes King, one of the top players signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
The former Georgia Tech standout has impressed throughout training camp and is expected to handle much of the quarterbacking duties after Pickett exits.
Thursday will provide King’s first opportunity to showcase his mobility, decision-making and arm talent against NFL competition as he vies to make the 53-man roster.
Roster battles continue
With most veterans expected to watch from the sideline, Thursday’s spotlight shifts to players trying to secure roster spots or larger roles entering the regular season.
Several offensive linemen, young receivers, reserve defensive backs and backup defensive linemen should receive extended playing time, giving the coaching staff valuable tape before the remainder of the preseason schedule.
Carolina Panthers Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
✅ Round 1, Pick 19 overall — OT Monroe Freeling (Georgia)
✅ Round 2, Pick 49 overall — DT Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
✅ Round 3, Pick 83 overall — WR Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee)
✅ Round 4, Pick 129 overall — CB Will Lee III (Texas A&M)
✅ Round 5, Pick 144 overall — C Sam Hecht (Kansas State)
✅ Round 5, Pick 151 overall — SAF Zakee Wheatley (Penn State)
✅ Round 7, Pick 227 overall — LB Jackson Kuwatch (Miami OH)
Hall of Fame Spotlight
Thursday also serves as a celebration of one of the greatest players in Panthers history.
Former linebacker Luke Kuechly will be honored during Hall of Fame festivities as a member of the Class of 2026 alongside Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Roger Craig and Adam Vinatieri.
Kuechly spent his entire NFL career with Carolina and became one of the franchise’s most decorated defensive players, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and helping lead the Panthers to Super Bowl 50.
What’s Next
The Hall of Fame Game marks the beginning of Carolina’s four-game preseason schedule.
Date Opponent Time (ET) TV Aug. 6 at Arizona (Hall of Fame Game) 8 p.m. NBC, Peacock Aug. 15 at Buffalo 1 p.m. NFL+ Aug. 21 at Jacksonville 7:30 p.m. ESPN App Aug. 28 vs. Houston 7 p.m. NFL+
Carolina opens the regular season on Sept. 13 at Jacksonville.
👉 View the Carolina Panthers’ complete 2026 schedule and more at our Carolina Panthers Hub page.
📝 Game Recap
Check back after the game for the final score, key moments, standout performances, stats and a postgame recap.
