Panthers and Cardinals to Open Preseason at Hall of Fame Game Amid Coaching Changes and Roster Questions
The Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, featuring new head coaches and several players fighting for depth-chart positions.
Football returns on Thursday night as the Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The matchup comes two days before former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Panthers, who have not played in the Hall of Fame Game since their inaugural 1995 season, enter the contest with several key injuries, including a torn ACL for edge rusher Nic Scourton and a torn LCL for rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II. Offensive tackles Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu, as well as defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton, are also unavailable. Coach Dave Canales, in his third season, is expected to start quarterback Kenny Pickett in place of Bryce Young, using the preseason game primarily for evaluation.
Arizona’s rookie quarterback Carson Beck will make his first NFL start under newly hired head coach Mike LaFleur, who replaced Jonathan Gannon in February. Veteran Jacoby Brissett remains the team's designated starter, while the Cardinals hope the game will provide a glimpse of LaFleur’s offensive scheme. The contest also offers a chance for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love to demonstrate their abilities as the team works to integrate its offensive line.
Both teams will use the game to assess depth-chart candidates. The Panthers are looking to solidify their third-receiver slot behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, with former first-round pick Xavier Legette and veteran David Moore among the contenders. The Cardinals will evaluate how Beck performs relative to veteran Gardner Minshew and how the offense adapts to the new system.
"We want to see how our players respond in a live-game environment and get a better sense of where they fit on the roster," said Panthers coach Dave Canales.
"Our focus is on getting the fundamentals right and giving our young players a chance to showcase what they can do," said Arizona head coach Mike LaFleur.