Panthers vs Cardinals Hall of Fame Game opens 2026 NFL preseason

The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals opened the 2026 NFL preseason on Thursday, Aug. 6, with the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The exhibition aired nationally on NBC and was streamed on Peacock and Fubo. Both teams used the game to evaluate rookies and depth players; starters were largely held out. The Cardinals started third‑round rookie quarterback Carson Beck, while the Panthers gave the ball to Kenny Pickett, a former first‑round pick now with Carolina. Injuries were a theme: the Panthers entered the game without linebacker Nic Scourton (torn ACL) and wide receiver Chris Brazzell (torn LCL), while the Cardinals were without third‑overall pick running back Jeremiyah Love. The matchup also coincided with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class ceremony, honoring former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly alongside other legends. Betting markets listed the Panthers as a 1.5‑point favorite. The game provided a first look at the new head coach for Arizona, Mike LaFleur, and a chance for the Panthers to build on their recent NFC South title.