The NFL is back.The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers open the 2026 preseason Thursday night in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, marking the league’s first exhibition contest ahead of the new season. The game also serves as the unofficial start of Hall of Fame weekend in Canton, Ohio, while giving fans their first look at several rookies, position battles and new coaching wrinkles.
Arizona enters the preseason opener with added intrigue, with Thursday being the first chance for fans to see rookie Carson Beck in game action. Carolina, meanwhile, comes into Canton dealing with several setbacks from training camp. Veteran defensive lineman LaBryan Ray announced his retirement, while the Panthers have also been managing injuries to key contributors, including right tackle Taylor Moton and cornerback Jaycee Horn.
With many established starters expected to rest, the Hall of Fame Game will provide an extended look at both teams’ depth as they begin preparations for the 2026 season.
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Cardinals vs. Panthers: Date, Time and Location
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
How to Watch Cardinals vs. Panthers
Fans can watch the game nationally on:
- TV: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
- Mobile streaming: NFL+ (live on mobile devices)
Game Preview
Although the result won’t count in the standings, the opener offers an early look at players fighting for roster spots before preseason games begin in earnest next week.
Beck will make his NFL debut after head coach Mike LaFleur he will take the opening snaps. However, Arizona will be without first-round running back Jeremiyah Love, who was ruled out Wednesday.
The Cardinals are coming off a 3-14 season and view the preseason as an important step in accelerating the team’s development ahead of Week 1.
Carolina’s approach is expected to be different. With several veterans dealing with injuries during training camp, the Panthers are likely to be cautious with many of their established starters. Kenny Pickett is expected to start at quarterback in Canton, while much of the evaluation will center on the team’s younger players and depth pieces as they compete for roster spots. Head coach Dave Canales, entering his third season after leading Carolina to the NFC South title in 2025, has emphasized using the extra preseason game to evaluate the back end of the roster.
What’s Next?
The NFL preseason continues immediately after Thursday’s opener. Preseason Week 1 begins on Aug. 13 with the Detroit Lions visiting the Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers traveling to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts at the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans at the San Francisco 49ers among the opening matchups.
After wrapping up their Hall of Fame Game appearance, the Cardinals return to action on Aug. 13 against the Lss Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas before opening the regular season on Sept. 13 against the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers will next visit the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 15 before beginning their regular-season schedule on Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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