The fact is that preseason games are merely that, preparation for the regular season, and not even as much. Plenty of starters sit around and don’t play preseason games, even if it is the NFL Hall of Fame Game. Hence, that’s why Jeremiyah Love is not playing for the Cardinals vs Panthers.

The reason is quite simple. Head coaches don’t want to risk any star player suffering an injury or getting unnecessary contact before the actual season starts. After all, an injury in preseason could really affect how the regular season goes.

What happens if the Cardinals beat the Panthers?

If the Cardinals beat the Panthers at the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game, nothing really matters. It might show some of the new looks and schemes that new offensive-driven head coach Mike LaFleur has been trying to impregnate on the team are actually working.

It can give a few standout players from the game vs Panthers a boost to make it into the final 53-man roster, but not more than that. In fact, you can see who the Cardinals starting quarterback will be vs the Panthers and that will put into perspective the relevance of this game.

What happens if the Cardinals tie vs Panthers?

If the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers tie during a preseason matchup like the Hall of Fame Game, the game simply ends in a tie after overtime, with no impact on the regular-season standings.

What happens if the Cardinals lose vs Panthers?

A loss has no negative impact on either team’s regular-season record, standings, or playoff chances. It literally doesn’t matter. The most important thing in preseason games is to not suffer injuries and trying to implement some of their new schemes.

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is not playing in the Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers because head coach Mike LaFleur chose to hold out projected starters. Given that Love is a high-value player, he won’t be risked in this game.

Love was the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love also leads the running backs in guaranteed money. Hence, it’s projected that Love will play a major role in the Cardinals’ offense this season. The Cardinals have also confirmed their starting quarterback for the game vs. Panthers.

The Cardinals have a numerous RB depth chart

Jeremiyah Love is the new shiny toy on the roster. However, the Cardinals also brought in Tyler Allgeier, and they already had the always-serviceable James Conner, alongside Trey Benson, and Bam Knight.

Those are too many names as Conner has been a starting-caliber running back for years. Also Allgeier was very good for the Falcons, and now they have Love. There is little to no space for the rest of the backs, so the NFL preseason will be key for the other names to stay on the roster.

Who will get the most looks at RB for the Cardinals vs Panthers?

Trey Benson is dealing with an injury and Conner, Allgeier, and Love are pretty much discarded or dealing with another couple of injuries. Hence, it can be Bam Knight’s moment to shine against the Panthers.

How to watch Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers in the USA

The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will be available nationally in the United States on NBC. The preseason opener will take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Ohio.

Fans who prefer to stream the game can watch it live on Peacock and NFL+. Peacock will provide NBC’s full broadcast through its streaming platform, while NFL+ subscribers can access live NFL games available through the service.

Can I watch Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers for free?

Unfortunately, no. There is currently no way to stream the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game for free in the United States. But NBC will televise the matchup nationally, while streaming is available through Peacock and NFL+.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will open the 2026 NFL preseason in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Bryce Young isn’t playing for the Panthers today, but the matchup carries a much deeper meaning than a traditional exhibition contest.

The Cardinals and Panthers were selected because both franchises are represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers icon Luke Kuechly set to be enshrined during the weekend festivities.

For Arizona, the game marks the beginning of a new era under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur and provides the first opportunity to evaluate a roster undergoing changes. Jacoby Brissett isn’t playing against the Panthers tonight.

The Cardinals enter the preseason with a focus on developing young talent, which is why quarterback Carson Beck is starting today against Carolina. The rookie signal-caller was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft and will use the Hall of Fame Game as his first chance to showcase his progress in a live game environment.

Carolina arrives in Canton looking to evaluate its depth and young players before the regular season begins. The Panthers are starting quarterback Kenny Pickett against the Cardinals, allowing the veteran backup to get early reps in the new campaign.

Beyond the on-field evaluation, the game represents a historic celebration for both organizations. Fitzgerald finished his Cardinals career as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, recording 1,432 receptions, 17,492 receiving yards, and 121 touchdowns, while Kuechly became one of the most dominant linebackers of his generation with Carolina, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

What time is the Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers match?

The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game kicks off on Thursday, August 6, at 8:00 PM ET from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Besides opening the NFL preseason, the event celebrates the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

With the Hall of Fame Game giving Carolina an extra preseason contest compared to every other NFL team, head coach Dave Canales has decided to take a cautious approach with his starters.

Rather than exposing key players to unnecessary injury risk, the Panthers will use the game to evaluate depth players while keeping their franchise quarterback on the sideline.

Who is replacing Bryce Young as starting QB against the Cardinals?

With Bryce Young unavailable, Kenny Pickett will start at quarterback for Carolina. Pickett joined the Panthers this offseason on a one-year contract to serve as Young’s backup.

The former first-round pick entered the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders. Now, he will receive the opportunity to lead Carolina’s offense in the team’s preseason opener.

Is Bryce Young injured?

No. Bryce Young is not dealing with an injury and remains the Panthers’ unquestioned starting quarterback heading into the 2026 regular season. His absence is simply part of Dave Canales’ plan to protect his starters during an extended preseason schedule, ensuring Young is healthy and ready for Week 1 rather than risking an unnecessary setback in an exhibition game.

Every year, five NFL legends are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Before the enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio, a preseason game is played, with the participating teams often representing members of that year’s Hall of Fame class. In 2026, that is no different.

Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly will both be immortalized in Canton. Among this year’s class, they are the only two players to have spent their entire NFL careers with one team, which is a big reason Arizona and Carolina were selected to play this year.

Jacoby Brissett won’t play for the Cardinals and neither will Bryce Young suit up for the Panthers. Still, the stadium is expected to be filled to capacity, with over 20,000 fans in attendance for the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game.

Fitzgerald’s career stats

Spending his entire NFL career with the Cardinals, Fitzgerald is arguably the most beloved player in franchise history, and his résumé certainly supports that status. Drafted third overall in 2004 out of the University of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald went on to play 263 games over 17 seasons. During that span, he caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns.

One of the most remarkable accomplishments of his career is that Fitzgerald recorded more tackles (41) than dropped passes (29). Although he never won a Super Bowl—the Cardinals haven’t either—Fitzgerald was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and earned one first-team All-Pro selection.

Kuechly’s career stats

Like Fitzgerald, Kuechly also spent his entire NFL career with one team. He, too, suffered a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss with his franchise. However, Kuechly’s time in Carolina was cut short by injuries, leaving many to wonder what might have been. Still, eight seasons were enough for the star linebacker to earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kuechly played 118 games, recording 1,092 tackles (690 solo), 18 interceptions, 66 pass deflections, 12.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, and two touchdowns. During his career with the Panthers, he was selected to seven Pro Bowls and earned five first-team All-Pro honors. He was also named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) in 2012 and AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in 2013.

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Along with the excitement surrounding the first football action of the year and the Hall of Fame festivities, weather conditions are expected to play a key role for the fans heading to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Fortunately, the forecast looks favorable. Thursday is expected to bring sunny skies, afternoon highs in the mid-80s, light winds, and only a minimal chance of rain. By kickoff, temperatures should settle into the 70s.

How could the weather affect the Cardinals vs. Panthers game?

The weather is not expected to have a significant impact on the Cardinals vs. Panthers Hall of Fame Game. Forecasts for Thursday evening in Canton call for warm temperatures around 80°F at kickoff, light winds and only a slight chance of an isolated shower, creating favorable conditions.

With temperatures gradually dropping into the mid-to-upper 70s as the night progresses, both offenses should be able to operate without dealing with extreme heat or adverse weather. Winds are expected to remain light—around 5 mph—which should have little effect on passing, kicking or punting.

The biggest concern is player hydration. Since the game marks the first live action after training camp, coaches are likely to rotate players frequently to manage workloads in the warm conditions. That is already common in the Hall of Fame Game.

Located next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium has hosted the Hall of Fame Game for decades and seats approximately 23,000 fans. The venue welcomes thousands of visitors each summer.

This year’s matchup carries added significance because it celebrates two franchise legends entering the Hall of Fame. Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers icon Luke Kuechly headline the Class of 2026.

Why is the Hall of Fame Game played in Canton, Ohio?

The Hall of Fame Game is played in Canton because the city is recognized as the birthplace of the NFL and home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The annual preseason opener has been held there since 1962, serving as the kickoff to Enshrinement Week and celebrating the newest class of Hall of Famers.

Canton earned the right to host the Pro Football Hall of Fame because the American Professional Football Association (APFA)—which became the NFL two years later—was founded in the city on September 17, 1920.

Another key reason was the success of the Canton Bulldogs, one of professional football’s first powerhouse franchises and the NFL’s first back-to-back champions in 1922 and 1923. Local leaders also raised nearly $400,000 to help build the Hall of Fame, strengthening the city’s bid.

The Hall of Fame Game has become one of the NFL’s longest-running traditions. It is played during Enshrinement Week, allowing fans to watch the league’s first preseason game. Since 2017, the game has typically been scheduled on a Thursday night, marking the ceremonial beginning of a new NFL season.

Where is Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium located?

Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium is located in Canton, Ohio, at 1835 Harrison Avenue NW, adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and inside the Hall of Fame Village campus. Its location allows fans to move easily between the stadium, the Hall of Fame museum, and the week’s official festivities.

The venue sits about 60 miles south of Cleveland and has been the permanent home of the Hall of Fame Game since the event began in 1962. With a seating capacity of approximately 23,000, it is much smaller than an NFL regular-season stadium, creating an intimate setting for the league’s preseason opener.

The Cardinals will use Carson Beck as their starting quarterback vs Panthers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. The Cardinals had some small QB battle during preseason, but as soon as Jacoby Brissett got a new deal, the battle ended. As of now, Beck is projected to be QB3 on the roster. Brissett isn’t playing against the Panthers today as the Cardinals want to keep him healthy.

However, given that he is a rookie, it’s time for Beck to showcase why the Cardinals trusted him as a possible future franchise quarterback. Beck is fresh off a runner-up season in College Football as he guided the Florida Gators to the National Championship game. The Panthers’ starting quarterback against the Cardinals today will be Kenny Pickett.

Will the Cardinals use starters in NFL Hall of Fame Game?

Head coach Mike LaFleur announced that roughly 35 players, including key starters and veterans like quarterback Jacoby Brissett and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, will sit out this game vs Panthers.

Players like running back Bam Knight, or late-round rookies like wideout Reggie Virgil could be eager to impress LaFleur. This can help them earn some snaps once the regular season begins. Hence, there are still players looking to get the most out of this game.

The Cardinals need to rebuild effectively

Last season, the Cardinals ended 3-14. This prompted a change in head coach, traded away Kyler Murray, and effectively tried to reset the franchise. The preseason can at least makes us know how LaFleur’s scheme will be. Also, how much his ideas have been installed in his team.

While many starters are expected to sit out on both sides, one detail always draws plenty of attention: the uniforms each team will wear. Today, it’s going to be a great combination.

The Hall of Fame Game traditionally offers fans their first look at each team’s on-field appearance for the new season, and this year’s matchup is no exception. Here is what both teams are expected to wear in Canton.

What uniforms are the Cardinals wearing today vs Panthers?

The Arizona Cardinals are expected to wear their traditional red home uniforms. The look features red jerseys, red pants, and white numbers and accents, paired with the club’s iconic white helmet displaying the classic red Cardinals logo on each side.

What uniforms are the Panthers wearing today?

The Carolina Panthers are expected to take the field wearing an all-black uniform combination. That includes black jerseys, black pants, white numbers, and the team’s signature silver helmet featuring the black Panthers logo.

The contrasting uniforms between Panthers and Cardinals should create one of the most visually striking matchups of the opening game of the 2026 NFL preseason.

Because there’s still a month until the NFL regular season begins and Arizona knows how important its starting quarterback is, Brissett will not play in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Brissett was confirmed as the Cardinals’ No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart after he and the organization agreed to a contract restructure.

Under his revamped deal, Brissett is guaranteed to make $15.5 million in 2026. Given that financial commitment, it’s easy to see why the Cardinals won’t risk their starting quarterback this early in the preseason. Unfortunately, that means fans won’t get to watch the ever-entertaining signal-caller.

The officiating crew for the 2026 Hall of Fame Game will also miss out on seeing the veteran quarterback in action. Instead, they’ll get their first look at rookie Carson Beck, who will start for the Cardinals against the Panthers. Beck will go head to head with Kenny Pickett, as Bryce Young won’t play for Carolina, either.

Brissett’s numbers in 2025

Coming into the 2026 NFL season with higher expectations and a revamped offense featuring Jeremiyah Love, Trey McBride, and Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals expect Brissett to be up to the task. He is coming off a career year in 2025, when he threw for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

At 33 and in the desert, Brissett is playing the best football of his career since being drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Brissett will be working closely with head coach Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, quarterbacks coach Matt Schaub, and pass game specialist Connor Senger. It appears he is well equipped both on and off the field to lead the Cardinals.

Making the playoffs may be too much to ask of a team that finished with the third-worst record in the league just months ago and plays in the same division as the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the NFC runner-up Los Angeles Rams. Still, crazier things have happened.

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

While the Cardinals and Panthers will go head to head in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game, the spotlight will be on the enshrinement ceremony, as Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, Roger Craig, Luke Kuechly, and Larry Fitzgerald will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Last five Hall of Fame Games

• 2025: Los Angeles Chargers 34-7 Detroit Lions
• 2024: Chicago Bears 21-17 Houston Texans
• 2023: Cleveland Browns 21-16 New York Jets
• 2022: Las Vegas Raiders 27-11 Jacksonville Jaguars
• 2021: Pittsburgh Steelers 16-3 Dallas Cowboys

Tickets are in high demand as the annual showcase kicks off Enshrinement Week and celebrates one of the strongest Hall of Fame classes in recent years. This year’s matchup carries added significance because it honors two franchise icons.

The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers were selected to play as Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly prepare to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, giving supporters from both fan bases another reason to travel to Canton.

How much do tickets cost for Cardinals vs Panthers?

Ticket prices for the 2026 Hall of Fame Game vary depending on the marketplace and seating location. On the official Ticketmaster resale marketplace, some of the lowest-priced resale tickets have been listed for about $44 before taxes and fees, while prices increase significantly for premium locations.

Across major resale platforms such as StubHub and SeatGeek, the cheapest available tickets have generally ranged from $250 to $350, with many seats listed between $400 and $700 as kickoff approaches. Prices fluctuate based on demand, inventory, and seat location, especially during Enshrinement Week.

Fans interested in premium experiences can also purchase official VIP game packages through the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which bundle enhanced seating with exclusive hospitality options. Availability depends on demand and may be limited close to game day.

What is included with a Hall of Fame Game ticket?

A standard Hall of Fame Game ticket includes admission to the Cardinals vs. Panthers preseason game only. It does not automatically provide access to other Enshrinement Week events, such as the Gold Jacket Dinner, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, concerts or VIP experiences.

Fans attending the game can enter Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium and enjoy all in-stadium entertainment, including pregame festivities, halftime programming and the NFL’s traditional preseason opener.

Separate VIP packages are also available through the Pro Football Hall of Fame for fans looking for premium seating and additional experiences.

Why is the Hall of Fame Game important?

The Hall of Fame Game is important because it officially opens the NFL preseason while serving as the centerpiece of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week in Canton, Ohio.

Unlike a typical preseason matchup, the event celebrates the newest Hall of Fame class, bringing together legends, current players and fans for one of the league’s most tradition-rich weekends. The 2026 edition carries extra meaning because the participating teams are represented by two of this year’s inductees.

The Arizona Cardinals honor legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, while the Carolina Panthers celebrate former All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly. Their upcoming enshrinement made the franchises natural choices to open the NFL’s 107th season in Canton.