The Carolina Panthers are looking to bounce back from a 5-12 season, and with Bryce Young entering his third year, fans are eager to see if he can lead the team forward. But the big question for tonight’s preseason opener against the Browns is whether Young and the other starters will take the field.
Are Bryce Young and the Panthers Starters Playing Tonight?
After sitting his starters in his first preseason as Panthers head coach in 2024, Dave Canales plans to take a different approach this year. Young and other members of Carolina’s first team will see action in tonight’s preseason opener against the Browns.
“Yeah, kind of going through it last year, I think you know, we have a mix of veteran players, but it’s predominantly a pretty young team, and I just can’t pass up on the opportunities,” Canales said.
After a 5-12 season, it’s no surprise that Canales wants to see his team in live action during the preseason. Training camp offers some insight, but nothing matches the value of real game reps.
Young’s NFL career has had a rocky start, as he was benched early in 2024. However, he bounced back and finished the season strong, throwing for 612 yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions over his final three games.
If Young can carry that momentum through the preseason, it could set him up for a strong season.
Alongside Young, fans will also see other offensive starters like running back Chuba Hubbard, fresh off a 1,195-yard season, and first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
Which Young Players Will Get Their Chance to Shine?
Besides McMillian, several other young receivers on the Panthers are expected to see action tonight.
2024 first-round pick Xavier Leggette will have a chance to showcase his growth since his rookie year. Meanwhile, Jalen Coker, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024, is coming off a 478-yard rookie season and aims to build on that momentum.
Jalen Coker pic.twitter.com/AAiwRkDOJE
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 25, 2025
Defensively, some young players are eager to prove themselves in tonight’s preseason opener. Fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade from the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to be a starter this year and will need a strong preseason to solidify his role.
EDGE rushers Nic Scourton and Princley Umanmielen, the Panthers’ 2025 second and third-round draft picks, respectively, will make their NFL debuts tonight. They will look to immediately impact a pass rush that struggled in 2024.
Carolina’s game against Cleveland kicks off at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network, with coverage starting at 6:00 p.m. EST.
