The Carolina Panthers wrap up their preseason Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and all eyes are on whether quarterback Bryce Young and the rest of Carolina’s starters will take the field one last time before Week 1.
With critical roster decisions approaching, the question arises: Will Panthers head coach Dave Canales choose to play his starters, or will he take this opportunity to evaluate players vying for the team’s final roster spots?
Panthers HC Dave Canales Reveals If Starters Will Play in Final Preseason Contest
The Panthers have lost their first two preseason games, displaying some promising moments but also highlighting areas that require improvement. Young led the offense in both outings, and the first-team defense saw extended action against the Houston Texans last weekend.
However, as the team shifts its focus toward the regular season, Thursday’s game will take on a different approach. Canales confirmed this week that Carolina’s starters will not suit up against Pittsburgh. Instead, the team will lean on two joint practices with the Steelers to replicate game-level intensity and finalize preparations.
Dave Canales says starters won’t play next week against Pittsburgh, which was his plan all along.
But man, tough to roll into the regular season after these two shoddy performances.— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 16, 2025
“I feel great about our conditioning level. I feel great about the physicality of play,” Canales said after the loss in Houston. “I don’t feel great about our execution of the basics because it’s not showing up consistently for us.”
Here’s is #Panthers HC Dave Canales’ full answer on Idzik and Cooley/Hansen calling plays the last two weeks and why he and Evero are calling plays now with no starters this week vs. PIT.
(🎥: @Panthers) (❓: @KeepBlitzin) pic.twitter.com/Oh2bNd8AcL
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) August 19, 2025
He added, “We have two really important practices before we go into Pittsburgh. The starters will not play this upcoming week. Those practices become so valuable because it’s the last time we have this whole group together and we’re able to get the intensities that we want going into the season.”
Are the Steelers Also Resting Their Starters in Final Preseason Game?
Meanwhile, the Steelers are expected to play most of their starters, with a few notable exceptions including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and defensive stalwarts Cameron Heyward, and T.J. Watt.
Mike Tomlin says T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, DK Metcalf, and Aaron Rodgers will all not play against the Panthers.
However, the rest of the players are healthy and preparing to play.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 19, 2025
The Steelers have primarily rested their top players through the first two preseason games but plan to give several key contributors live reps against Carolina. That means offseason acquisitions such as Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay could make their debuts in black and gold, instantly bringing excitement to an otherwise dull preseason contest.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. For the Panthers, this game serves as a final opportunity for depth players to showcase their skills and solidify their positions on the 53-man roster before cutdown day.
