2026 NFL preseason: Three things to watch for in Panthers-Cardinals Hall of Fame Game
NFL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Hall of Fame Game on Thursday features the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals, coinciding with the upcoming Hall of Fame inductions of Luke Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald. Carolina returns to the game for the first time since 1995, while Arizona makes its sixth appearance, last playing in 2017.
- Panthers face significant injury challenges with key players like Nic Scourton, Chris Brazzell II, Taylor Moton, Ikem Ekwonu, and Tershawn Wharton sidelined, forcing the team to rely on less experienced players and possibly play more starters than usual in the preseason.
- Arizona enters a new era under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur, with rookie quarterback Carson Beck starting Thursday night as the team evaluates its quarterback depth behind veteran Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, while adjusting to LaFleur’s offensive system.
- The game provides an important opportunity for backups and fringe players to compete for roster spots, particularly for the Panthers' wide receiver depth chart, where the No. 3 receiver role remains open among contenders like Xavier Legette and David Moore.
