2026 Hall of Fame Game: Carson Beck heads top 10 players to keep an eye on in preseason opener
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals will open the NFL preseason tonight in the Hall of Fame Game, with both teams playing four preseason games compared to three for the rest of the league.
- Panthers coach Dave Canales plans not to play starters, while Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur is expected to have similar intentions, leaving notable players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Will Johnson off the roster.
- Key players to watch include Panthers safety Zakee Wheatley, rookie Cardinals offensive tackle Jayden Williams, and Panthers edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, who faces increased playing time after a teammate's injury.
- The preseason will also highlight position battles such as the Panthers' center competition between Sam Hecht and Luke Fortner, and the Cardinals' guard Chase Bisontis aiming to earn a starting role.
- Several young players on both teams, including linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs, will use the preseason to push for larger roles and prove their value.
