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As expected, we won't be seeing the headliners for the Carolina Panthers hitting the field in the Hall of Fame Game. Head coach Dave Canales told reporters earlier this week that he will not send out his starters on Thursday night.
That, however, doesn't mean there won't be anyone worth watching.
Here are four defensive players to keep an eye on during the Panthers' 2026 preseason opener . . .
Hall, a Durham, N.C. native, became an early offseason darling for Panthers fans after a standout spring. And now, between the neck injury to starter Tershawn Wharton and the sudden retirement of LaBryan Ray, the undrafted rookie might have an initial 53-man roster well within reach.
Given Carolina's questionable depth along their defensive trench, Hall could provide some much-needed backup for Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III. The 6-foot-4, 297-pounder, who recorded 56 pressures at Duke University in 2024 and 2025, should have a chance to show off his pass-rushing chops on Thursday night.
Even through two disappointing seasons, former third-round pick Trevin Wallace remains the favorite to start alongside free-agent addition Devin Lloyd at inside linebacker. But in what may be a similar situation to fellow 2024 draftee Xavier Legette at wide receiver, the Panthers shouldn't be afraid to pivot if another challenger emerges.
That could be Martin-Scott, who continues to impress the coaching staff into his second pro campaign. The 26-year-old might have plenty of leash to work with in the preseason opener, especially if veteran and second-stringer Claudin Cherelus is among those not in uniform.
Maybe we didn't have to reach too far to advise you to watch Kuwatch. (Ba dum tss.)
The 2026 seventh-round pick will also try to factor into the equation at inside linebacker, even if it's as a special teamer in his rookie season. Kuwatch's intriguing blend of size (6-foot-4, 232 pounds) and athleticism could be on display in this one.
Gill now enters his third tour of duty with the Panthers following a sparkling spring in the United Football League. The Sumter, S.C. native posted a league-leading 10.0 sacks, and was named their Defensive Player of the Year.
With second-year starting outside linebacker Nic Scourton already done for the season, Gill could have a lane to the roster as a backup pass rusher. Can he keep his motor running into Canton?
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 defensive players to watch in Panthers' preseason opener vs. Cardinals
Continue reading...
That, however, doesn't mean there won't be anyone worth watching.
Here are four defensive players to keep an eye on during the Panthers' 2026 preseason opener . . .
DL Aaron Hall
Hall, a Durham, N.C. native, became an early offseason darling for Panthers fans after a standout spring. And now, between the neck injury to starter Tershawn Wharton and the sudden retirement of LaBryan Ray, the undrafted rookie might have an initial 53-man roster well within reach.
Given Carolina's questionable depth along their defensive trench, Hall could provide some much-needed backup for Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III. The 6-foot-4, 297-pounder, who recorded 56 pressures at Duke University in 2024 and 2025, should have a chance to show off his pass-rushing chops on Thursday night.
ILB Bam Martin-Scott
Even through two disappointing seasons, former third-round pick Trevin Wallace remains the favorite to start alongside free-agent addition Devin Lloyd at inside linebacker. But in what may be a similar situation to fellow 2024 draftee Xavier Legette at wide receiver, the Panthers shouldn't be afraid to pivot if another challenger emerges.
That could be Martin-Scott, who continues to impress the coaching staff into his second pro campaign. The 26-year-old might have plenty of leash to work with in the preseason opener, especially if veteran and second-stringer Claudin Cherelus is among those not in uniform.
ILB Jackson Kuwatch
Maybe we didn't have to reach too far to advise you to watch Kuwatch. (Ba dum tss.)
The 2026 seventh-round pick will also try to factor into the equation at inside linebacker, even if it's as a special teamer in his rookie season. Kuwatch's intriguing blend of size (6-foot-4, 232 pounds) and athleticism could be on display in this one.
OLB Cam Gill
Gill now enters his third tour of duty with the Panthers following a sparkling spring in the United Football League. The Sumter, S.C. native posted a league-leading 10.0 sacks, and was named their Defensive Player of the Year.
With second-year starting outside linebacker Nic Scourton already done for the season, Gill could have a lane to the roster as a backup pass rusher. Can he keep his motor running into Canton?
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 defensive players to watch in Panthers' preseason opener vs. Cardinals
Continue reading...
