The Carolina Panthers are expected to open the 2026 NFL preseason with Kenny Pickett at quarterback.
Pickett is expected to start when the Panthers take on the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The annual Hall of Fame Game marks the official start of the NFL preseason and provides Carolina with an opportunity to evaluate its quarterback depth while resting its established starter.
Kenny Pickett to Start Hall of Fame Game
The Panthers are expected to keep Bryce Young out of Thursday night’s contest as they prioritize his health ahead of the regular season.
Instead, veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett will receive the start and lead Carolina’s offense in the opening series before giving way to the team’s younger quarterbacks later in the game.
The preseason opener gives Pickett valuable reps in Carolina’s offense while allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the quarterback room before final roster decisions.
Panthers Quarterback Depth Chart
Carolina enters the preseason with several quarterbacks expected to see action.
Expected quarterback rotation:
- Kenny Pickett (Starter)
- Haynes King
- Additional reserve quarterbacks later in the game
Bryce Young is expected to be held out as the Panthers take a cautious approach with their projected regular-season starter.
Cardinals Also Turning to a Rookie
Arizona is expected to rest franchise quarterback Kyler Murray and instead start rookie Carson Beck.
The Cardinals are using the preseason opener to evaluate Beck after selecting him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, making Thursday’s matchup a showcase for two teams focused on developing quarterback depth.
What the Panthers Want to See from Kenny Pickett
Carolina’s coaching staff will likely evaluate several aspects of Pickett’s performance, including:
- Command of the offense
- Decision-making under pressure
- Accuracy and timing
- Leadership in the huddle
- Ability to sustain scoring drives
While the preseason is primarily about evaluation, a strong outing could strengthen Pickett’s standing as Carolina’s primary backup quarterback entering the 2026 season.
Hall of Fame Game Opens the 2026 NFL Preseason
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game annually serves as the NFL’s preseason opener, giving teams an opportunity to evaluate rookies, veterans, and players competing for roster spots.
For the Panthers, the spotlight will be on Kenny Pickett as he leads Carolina onto the field while Bryce Young watches from the sideline.
FAQ
Who is starting at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers tonight?
Kenny Pickett is expected to start for the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
Is Bryce Young playing tonight?
No. The Panthers are expected to rest Bryce Young during the Hall of Fame Game as they prepare for the regular season.
Who will play after Kenny Pickett?
Rookie Haynes King is expected to see playing time after Pickett, with additional reserve quarterbacks also likely to take snaps.
Who is starting for the Arizona Cardinals?
The Cardinals are expected to start rookie quarterback Carson Beck, while Kyler Murray is expected to sit out.
Why is Kenny Pickett starting?
The Panthers are using the preseason opener to evaluate their quarterback depth while resting Bryce Young ahead of the 2026 regular season.