The Carolina Panthers are getting set to take on the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason game on Saturday.
The Panthers' first preseason game was an entertaining one. The Panthers won thanks to a last-second score by Haynes King, and several players put on good performances. None of the expected starters played in that matchup, but that won't be the case in the team's second preseason contest.
Head coach Dave Canales hinted that the team's plans are different for this game.
Will Starters Play Against Bills?
Per Canales, the Panthers' starters will indeed play on Saturday. The coach said he anticipates his starters playing between 10 and 20 snaps, depending on the flow of the game.
"Yes, yes, we will play this week, for sure. We'll take it week by week. We'll get them out there—probably play something similar to what Kenny [Pickett] and that group played in the Hall of Fame Game," Canales said. "So it'll be somewhere between 10 and 20 plays depending on how those drives pan out, so we can just get some good work in."
So, every player who is not currently injured should see the field Saturday. Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan, Jonathon Brooks, and others will be on the field for the offense, while it'll be our first chance to see new defenders Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips on the field.
The Bills will also be playing their starters for this matchup. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady said "everyone that is healthy is going to be playing," including star quarterback Josh Allen.
It will be interesting to see how the Panthers' starters look. The Bills are expected to be a contender in 2026, so this will present a tough test. Can Young and the offense look poised and solid? Can the defense keep the Bills' starters in check?
Remaining Schedule for Panthers
After Saturday, the Panthers will have played two of their preseason games already. The team still has contests against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans before Week 1.
As soon as the fourth preseason game is over, the Panthers will have to cut their roster from 90 players down to 53. So, the players living on the bubble right now are running out of chances to prove they deserve a spot.
