The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for their second preseason game against the Houston Texans. Fans will have another chance to watch key players fight for a spot on the final roster, but they are also eager to see the starters take the field.
So, what will the Panthers’ approach be in this second game? Against the Cleveland Browns, the starters played, and there were some positive takeaways from their performance. Here’s what to expect from Dave Canales’ plan for this Saturday’s matchup.
Are Bryce Young and Other Panthers’ Starters Playing Against Houston Tonight?
Canales’ plans for the 2025 season seem more defined and decisive compared to last year. Known for reviving quarterbacks, as he did with Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay and Geno Smith in Seattle, Canales faced the same challenge with Bryce Young.
In 2024, the starters didn’t play in the preseason, and it felt like Young entered the first weeks unprepared, which led to his benching by the end of Week 2. This time, however, Canales is taking a different approach, confirming that the starters will play against the Texans just as they did against the Browns.
“Kind of going through it last year, we had a mix of veteran players, but [this is] predominantly a pretty young team,” Canales said at the beginning of the month. “I just can’t pass up the opportunities. The reps in games are valuable.”
That means Young will have another chance to take the field with the starters for one or two series, continuing the plan to enter the season warmed up and in game rhythm. This could be a major boost for a quarterback who showed a clear upward trend late in 2024.
The game will take place on Saturday, August 16, at 12 p.m. CDT at NRG Stadium in Houston and will be broadcast on NFL+ and KTRK, as well as ABC-13 in the Houston area.
Which Young Panthers Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
All eyes will be on Young, who in his limited snaps against Cleveland showed the same confidence and accuracy we saw at the end of last season, finishing the game 4-of-6 for 58 yards and a touchdown pass.
Bryce Young goes up top to Tetairoa McMillan for the big gain!
CLEvsCAR on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/R6FwKTnAjm
— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2025
The connection between Young and rookie Tetairoa McMillan is what fans are most eager to see during the season, and part of the reason Canales might be starting his first-team offense early is the need to build chemistry between his quarterback and wide receiver. Second-year receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker also deserve attention.
Rookie defenders Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton will also be closely watched, given that Carolina’s defense was the worst in the NFL in points allowed last season. The team invested draft capital to fix that issue, especially to improve the front seven and its ability to pressure the quarterback.
Beyond individual players, fans want to see a different energy from the team compared to most of last season, which begins in the preseason. Even if these games technically do not count, the team’s culture starts here, and with so many young players and a head coach still looking to prove himself, every snap is valuable.
