Updated
Updated · Panthers.com · Aug 3
Panthers Start Kenny Pickett in Hall of Fame Game as Bryce Young Sits Thursday
Updated
Updated · Panthers.com · Aug 3

Panthers Start Kenny Pickett in Hall of Fame Game as Bryce Young Sits Thursday

3 articles · Updated · Panthers.com · Aug 3

Summary

  • Dave Canales said Kenny Pickett will open Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game against Arizona, with the quarterback expected to play only a few series before undrafted rookie Haynes King takes over.
  • The Panthers are holding out Bryce Young and most starters, using the extra preseason game to spread snaps, avoid overloading one group and evaluate players battling for roster and practice-squad spots.
  • Four preseason games also give Carolina more time to manage early-camp injuries, and Canales said the roster is getting healthier with Mitchell Evans, Tommy Tremble and Robert Hunt back in pads and Bobby Brown III activated.
  • At practice Monday, tight end Feleipe Franks stood out with back-to-back catches from Young in a two-minute drill, a sign of his continued development after spending 68% of his 2024 snaps on special teams.

Insights

Can Kenny Pickett salvage his career in a high-stakes preseason audition against the Cardinals, or will an undrafted rookie steal the show?
Will Feleipe Franks' brutal transition from quarterback to tight end pay off, or will live game conditions expose the harsh reality of the NFL?
Why is an undrafted rookie organizing parking-lot practices, and could this unusual leadership secure him a shocking spot on the Panthers' roster?