Won't play in HOF Game
Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that Young won't play in Thursday's preseason opener versus the Cardinals, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Young is entrenched as the team's starting quarterback heading into his fourth NFL season, so he'll be in street clothes for the Hall of Fame Game along with several other key contributors while the Panthers open up more playing time for players competing for roster spots. Though Young showed growth as a third-year player in 2025 and helped lead the Panthers to an NFC South title, he's expected to enter the upcoming season without a long-term contract in place, per Reed. Instead, the Panthers appear content to see how the 2026 campaign plays out for Young before engaging in extension talks.
More Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football News
Bryce Young
Will play in preseason opener
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Sunday that Young and the Panthers starters will play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills, Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports.
John Metchie III
Candidate for No. 3 receiver job?
Metchie is competing for a depth role in Carolina, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
AJ Dillon
Impresses in HOF Game
Dillon rushed three times for 18 yards and a touchdown and secured his only target for 18 yards in the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday.
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Three catches in preseason opener
Sanders (ankle) brought in all three targets for 13 yards in the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday.
Trevor Etienne
Draws start in preseason opener
Etienne started the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday, rushing four times for 12 yards and bringing in his only target for minus-1 yard.
Xavier Legette
Deemed healthy
Coach Dave Canales said Thursday following the Hall of Fame Game that Legette (neck) "feels great" and is healthy, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Kenny Pickett
Solid in preseason opener
Pickett started the Hall of Fame Game against the Cardinals on Thursday, completing eight of 11 passes for 62 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Injures ankle Tuesday
Sanders exited Tuesday's practice with an ankle injury, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Won't play in HOF Game
Brooks won't play in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Xavier Legette
Won't play in HOF Game
Legette (stinger) won't play in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, but he should resume practicing next week, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.