Image Source: Carolina Panthers
Panthers fans will get one final look at Carolina’s 2026 preseason roster when the team hosts the Houston Texans on Friday, August 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with the game serving as Carolina’s final tune-up before the regular season.
Carolina enters the preseason finale with a 2-1 record. The Panthers previously faced the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Arizona Cardinals, including Arizona in the Hall of Fame game. Friday’s matchup will give young players and roster hopefuls one last opportunity to make an impression before teams reduce their rosters to the regular-season limit.
Panthers vs. Texans: What Fans Need to Know
The biggest development heading into the game is that neither team is expected to use its starters. After a long joint practice on Wednesday, the Panthers and Texans will reportedly keep 30 players out of the preseason finale. That decision shifts the spotlight toward backups, rookies, developmental players, and those competing for roster positions.
For Carolina, the game arrives just before a critical cut weekend. Coaches will be evaluating not only individual performances, but also consistency, communication, special teams contributions, and the ability to execute under game conditions. With limited chances remaining, even a short appearance could influence a player’s place on the depth chart.
Powerful Broadcast Team Leads Panthers Coverage
The Panthers Television Network will carry the local television broadcast. Anish Shroff will handle play-by-play duties, while former Panthers standouts Steve Smith Sr. and Jake Delhomme provide analysis. Carla Metts will report from the sideline.
The broadcast team offers fans a combination of live game analysis, team history, and behind-the-scenes perspective. Smith and Delhomme, both familiar figures in Carolina football, will provide insight into the performances that matter most during the final preseason evaluation.
Spanish-language coverage will be available through Telemundo. Antonio Ramos will call the action, with Ariana Figuera serving as analyst.
How to Watch the Panthers in Charlotte
Fans in the Panthers’ primary broadcast markets can watch the game for free through the team’s official digital platforms. The live stream will be available on Panthers.com through desktop and mobile web, as well as through the Panthers mobile app.
Viewers outside the team’s primary markets have additional options. NFL Game Pass is offering a free seven-day subscription for fans who want to watch preseason games live. NFL+ will also provide access to live out-of-market preseason games on mobile devices through a free seven-day trial.
- Game: Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
- Local television: Panthers Television Network
- Spanish television: Telemundo
- In-market streaming: Panthers digital platforms and mobile app
Live Radio and Postgame Coverage
The local radio broadcast will air on 99.7 FM The Fox in the Charlotte market as part of the Panthers Radio Network. Jim Szoke will provide play-by-play, joined by analyst Kurt Coleman and sideline reporter Kristen Balboni.
Radio coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. ET, giving listeners an hour of pregame programming before kickoff. The network will also continue with postgame coverage after the final whistle, offering reactions, interviews, and analysis of the roster competition.
Fans can follow live updates, highlights, and additional team coverage through the Panthers’ official social media channels and mobile app. The organization’s postgame show will also feature interviews with players and coaches, along with a detailed recap of the night’s action.
Why the Preseason Finale Matters
Although the game will not feature many established starters, the Panthers’ final preseason contest remains important. Players fighting for roster spots need to demonstrate that they can contribute immediately, particularly on special teams and in reserve roles. A strong performance could strengthen a player’s case, while mistakes may become more significant as coaches finalize personnel decisions.
The matchup also follows a challenging joint practice with Houston. Carolina’s offense reportedly struggled at times against the Texans’ pass rush, including Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. That experience created a valuable test for the Panthers’ young players and provided areas for improvement before the regular season.
With Bryce Young and other key starters expected to sit, the focus will be on depth, development, and execution. The Panthers’ 2-1 preseason record matters less than how the team responds to its final evaluation opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Panthers play the Texans?
Carolina hosts Houston on Friday, August 28, 2026. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
How can fans watch the Panthers game?
The game will air on the Panthers Television Network. In-market fans can also stream it for free through the team’s digital platforms and mobile app.
Will the Panthers play their starters?
The Panthers are not expected to use their starters in the preseason finale. The team and Texans are reportedly keeping 30 players out after Wednesday’s joint practice.
Where can fans listen to the game?
Listeners in the Charlotte area can tune in to 99.7 FM The Fox. The Panthers Radio Network will also provide pregame and postgame coverage.
Why is this game important?
The finale gives young players and roster hopefuls one last chance to make an impression before cut weekend and the final regular-season roster decisions.
