2026 Carolina Panthers season

32nd season in franchise history From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2026 season is the Carolina Panthers' 32nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their third under the tandem of general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. They will attempt to improve on their 8–9 record from 2025, make the playoffs and win the NFC South for the second consecutive season, and put an end to eight consecutive losing seasons.

OwnerDavid Tepper

General managerDan Morgan

Head coachDave Canales

Home stadiumBank of America Stadium

Quick facts Carolina Panthers season, Owner ...

2026 Carolina Panthers season
Owner	David Tepper
General manager	Dan Morgan
Head coach	Dave Canales
Home stadium	Bank of America Stadium
Results
Record	3–2
Division place	1st NFC South
Uniform

← 2025 Panthers seasons 2027 →

Offseason

Draft

More information Round, Selection ...

2026 Carolina Panthers draft selections
Round	Selection	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	19	Monroe Freeling	OT	Georgia
2	49	Lee Hunter	DT	Texas Tech	From Minnesota ^[A]
2	51	Traded to the Minnesota Vikings ^[A]
3	83	Chris Brazzell II	WR	Tennessee
4
	119	Traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars ^[B]
	124	Traded to the Chicago Bears ^[C]			From Jacksonville ^[B]
	129	Will Lee III	CB	Texas A&M	From Chicago ^[C]
5	144	Sam Hecht	C	Kansas State	From Tennessee via Chicago ^[C]
	151	Zakee Wheatley	S	Penn State	From Miami ^[D]
	158	Traded to the Miami Dolphins ^[D]			From Minnesota ^[E]
	159	Traded to the Minnesota Vikings ^[A]
	166	Traded to the Chicago Bears ^[C]			From Jacksonville ^[B]
6
	196	Traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars ^[B]			From Minnesota ^[A]
	200	Traded to the Miami Dolphins ^[D]
7
	227	Jackson Kuwatch	LB	Miami (OH)	From Miami ^[D]
	235	Traded to the Minnesota Vikings ^[E]

2026 Carolina Panthers undrafted free agents
Name	Position	College	Ref.
Haynes King	QB	Georgia Tech	^[6]
Jaylon Guilbeau	CB	Texas
Aaron Hall	DT	Duke
Isaia Glass	OT	Vanderbilt
Cam Miller	CB	Rutgers
Parker Peterson	DT	Wisconsin
Kobe Prentice	WR	Baylor
Albert Reese	OT	Mississippi State
Devonta Smith	CB	Notre Dame
Isaiah Smith	OLB	SMU
Miles Davis	RB	Utah State	^[7]
Tywone Malone Jr.	DT	Ohio State	^[7]
Heinrich Haarberg	TE	Nebraska	^[8]

Draft trades

[A]
Minnesota traded second- and sixth- round selections (49th and 196th overall) to Carolina in exchange for second- and fifth- round selections (51st and 159th overall)..^[1]
[B]
Carolina traded fourth- and sixth-round selections (119th and 196th overall) to Jacksonville in exchange for fourth- and fifth- round selections (124th and 166th overall).^[2]
[C]
Carolina traded fourth- and fifth-round selections (124th and 166th overall) to Chicago in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round selections (129th and 144th overall).^[3]
[D]
Miami traded fifth- and seventh-round selections (151st and 227th overall) to Carolina in exchange for fifth- and sixth-round selections (158th and 200th overall).^[4]
[E]
Minnesota traded a fifth-round selection (158th overall) and a 2027 fourth-round selection to Carolina in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection (235th overall), a 2027 fifth-round selection and WR Adam Thielen.^[5]

Staff

**Carolina Panthers staff**
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	Front office Owner – David Tepper President – Kristi Coleman President of football operations/general manager – Dan Morgan Executive vice president of football operations – Brandt Tilis Vice president of football analytics – Eric Eager Vice president of player development – Brian Decker Director of pro scouting – Lee McNeill Director of player personnel – Jared Kirksey Assistant director of college scouting – Dave Whittington Director of data science – Benjamin Brown Director of football administration – Justin Davidov Head coaches Head coach – Dave Canales Assistant head coach/run game coordinator – Harold Goodwin Associate head coach/offensive specialist – Darrell Bevell Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Brad Idzik Pass game coordinator – Mike Bercovici Quarterbacks – Will Harriger Running backs – Bernie Parmalee Wide receivers – Rob Moore Tight ends – Pat McPherson Offensive line – Joe Gilbert Offensive assistant – Keyshawn Colmon Offensive assistant – Dean Petzing Senior offensive consultant - Carl Smith			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Ejiro Evero Assistant defensive coordinator/linebackers – Peter Hansen Defensive passing game coordinator – Jonathan Cooley Defensive line – Todd Wash Outside linebackers/run game specialist – A.C. Carter Assistant linebackers coach – Mayur Chaudhari Secondary – Renaldo Hill Defensive assistant – Ilir Emini Defensive assistant – Kevin Peterson Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Tracy Smith Assistant special teams coordinator – Daren Bates Special teams/defensive assistant – Dwayne Stukes Support staff Head coach assistant and coaching operations manager – Jessica Beckenstein Director of coaching development – Scott Cooper Game management coordinator – George Li Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Jeremy Scott Strength and conditioning assistant/return to play coordinator – Thomas Barbeau Human performance assistant – Timothy Rabas → Coaching staff → Front office → More NFL staffs

Current roster

**Carolina Panthers roster**
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Quarterbacks (QB) 16 Haynes King 12 Kenny Pickett 9 Bryce Young Running backs (RB) 28 A. J. Dillon 23 Trevor Etienne 30 Chuba Hubbard 34 Anthony Tyus III RB Wide receivers (WR) 18 Jalen Coker 4 Tetairoa McMillan 13 John Metchie III RS 83 David Moore 87 Brycen Tremayne Tight ends (TE) 84 Mitchell Evans 81 Feleipe Franks 0 Ja'Tavion Sanders 82 Tommy Tremble 88 Darren Waller		Offensive linemen (OL) 67 Corey Bullock G 73 Stone Forsythe T 77 Luke Fortner C 57 Monroe Freeling T 75 Sam Hecht C 50 Robert Hunt G 68 Damien Lewis G 72 Taylor Moton T 65 Torricelli Simpkins III G 63 Rasheed Walker T Defensive linemen (DL) 97 Bobby Brown III DT 95 Derrick Brown DT 93 TeRah Edwards DT 94 Aaron Hall DT 92 Lee Hunter DT 98 Tershawn Wharton DT		Linebackers (LB) 33 Tyrel Dodson MLB 52 Trevis Gipson OLB 48 Thomas Incoom OLB 91 Patrick Jones II OLB 46 Jackson Kuwatch MLB 55 Devin Lloyd MLB 58 Bobby Okereke MLB 5 Jaelan Phillips OLB 3 Princely Umanmielen OLB Defensive backs (DB) 29 Akayleb Evans CB 24 Will Lee III CB 7 Tre'von Moehrig S 22 Lathan Ransom S 21 Nick Scott S 27 Isaiah Simmons S 26 Chau Smith-Wade CB 20 Zakee Wheatley S Special teams (ST) 10 Ryan Fitzgerald K 44 J. J. Jansen LS 6 Sam Martin P		Practice squad 78 Saahdiq Charles G 32 Zion Childress CB 96 Keith Cooper DT 74 Jake Curhan T 39 Nick Hampton OLB 37 Ahmani Marshall RB 42 Mapalo Mwansa LB (IPP) 45 Maema Njongmeta LB 69 Parker Peterson DT 86 Ja'seem Reed WR 38 Robert Rochell CB 43 DeVonta Smith CB 15 Ihmir Smith-Marsette WR 31 Corey Thornton CB 85 Casey Washington WR 35 Marco Wilson CB Reserve 19 Chris Brazzell II WR (IR) 25 Jonathon Brooks RB (IR) 70 Brady Christensen G (IR) 79 Ikem Ekwonu T (PUP) 8 Jaycee Horn CB (IR) 99 Cam Jackson DT (IR) 2 Mike Jackson CB (IR) 17 Xavier Legette WR (IR) 54 Bam Martin-Scott LB (IR) 11 Nic Scourton OLB (IR) 53 active, 15 practice squad (1 IPP), 10 reserve As of October 21, 2026. Rookies in italics. Roster Depth chart Transactions

Preseason

More information Week, Date ...

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
HOF	August 6	vs. Arizona Cardinals	W 33–30	1–0	Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium	Recap
1	August 15	at Buffalo Bills	L 14–29	1–1	Highmark Stadium	Recap
2	August 21	at Jacksonville Jaguars	W 34–17	2–1	EverBank Stadium	Recap
3	August 28	Houston Texans	W 16–13	3–1	Bank of America Stadium	Recap

Regular season

Schedule

More information Week, Date ...

Week	Date	Time (ET)	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Network	Recap
1	September 13	1:00 p.m.	Chicago Bears	L 37–59	0–1	Bank of America Stadium	Fox	Recap
2	September 20	1:00 p.m.	at Atlanta Falcons	W 34–3	1–1	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Fox	Recap
3	September 27	1:00 p.m.	at Cleveland Browns	L 18–21	1–2	Huntington Bank Field	Fox	Recap
4	October 4	8:20 p.m.	Detroit Lions	W 32–26	2–2	Bank of America Stadium	NBC	Recap
5	Bye
6	October 18	1:00 p.m.	at Philadelphia Eagles	W 25–14	3–2	Lincoln Financial Field	CBS	Recap
7	October 25	1:00 p.m.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers			Bank of America Stadium	Fox
8	October 29	8:15 p.m.	at Green Bay Packers			Lambeau Field	Prime Video
9	November 8	1:00 p.m.	Denver Broncos			Bank of America Stadium	CBS
10	November 15	1:00 p.m.	at New Orleans Saints			Caesars Superdome	Fox
11	November 22	1:00 p.m.	Baltimore Ravens			Bank of America Stadium	Fox
12	November 30	8:15 p.m.	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers			Raymond James Stadium	ESPN
13	December 6	4:25 p.m.	at Minnesota Vikings			U.S. Bank Stadium	CBS
14	December 13	1:00 p.m.	New Orleans Saints			Bank of America Stadium	CBS
15	December 20	1:00 p.m.	Cincinnati Bengals			Bank of America Stadium	Fox
16	December 26/27	TBD	at Pittsburgh Steelers			Acrisure Stadium	TBD
17	January 3	1:00 p.m.	Seattle Seahawks			Bank of America Stadium	Fox
18	January 9/10	TBD	Atlanta Falcons			Bank of America Stadium	TBD

Notes

Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Networks and times from Weeks 9–17 and dates from Weeks 12–17 are subject to change as a result of flexible scheduling.^[9]
The date, time and network for Week 16 will be finalized by no later than the end of Week 14.^[10]
The date, time and network for Week 18 will be finalized at the end of Week 17.^[9]

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 1: Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	14	17	14	14	59
Panthers	7	17	7	6	37

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: September 13
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Sunny, 89 °F (32 °C)
Game attendance: 72,597
Referee: Brad Allen
TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Drew Brees and Kristina Pink
Recap, Game Book

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter CAR – Chuba Hubbard 4-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 11:33. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:23. CHI – Caleb Williams 9-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 5:52. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:41. CHI – D'Andre Swift 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 1:59. Bears 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:13. Second quarter CHI – Cole Kmet 22-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Cairo Santos kick), 13:57. Bears 21–7. Drive: 2 plays, 41 yards, 0:51. CAR – Jalen Coker 51-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 12:40. Bears 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 73 yards, 1:17. CAR – Bryce Young 7-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 8:42. Tied 21–21. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:45. CHI – Cairo Santos 40-yard field goal, 5:20. Bears 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:36. CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 44-yard field goal, 2:35. Tied 24–24. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 2:45. CHI – Caleb Williams 29-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 0:22. Bears 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:13. Third quarter CAR – Chuba Hubbard 2-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 9:02. Tied 31–31. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 2:26. CHI – D'Andre Swift 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 3:05. Bears 38–31. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 5:57. CHI – Kyle Monangai 61-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 0:40. Bears 45–31. Drive: 1 play, 61 yards, 0:10. Fourth quarter CHI – Jahdae Walker 1-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Cairo Santos kick), 6:27. Bears 52–31. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 8:23. CAR – Jalen Coker 8-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick blocked), 4:00. Bears 52–37. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 2:27. CHI – D'Andre Swift 28-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 3:40. Bears 59–37. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 0:20. Top passers CHI – Caleb Williams – 21/29, 269 yards, 2 TD CAR – Bryce Young – 23/37, 361 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers CHI – D'Andre Swift – 18 rushes, 124 yards, 3 TD CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 10 rushes, 49 yards, TD Top receivers CHI – Kalif Raymond – 8 receptions, 84 yards CAR – Jalen Coker – 8 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Chuba Hubbard 4-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 11:33. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:23.
CHI – Caleb Williams 9-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 5:52. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:41.
CHI – D'Andre Swift 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 1:59. Bears 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:13.

Second quarter

CHI – Cole Kmet 22-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Cairo Santos kick), 13:57. Bears 21–7. Drive: 2 plays, 41 yards, 0:51.
CAR – Jalen Coker 51-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 12:40. Bears 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 73 yards, 1:17.
CAR – Bryce Young 7-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 8:42. Tied 21–21. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:45.
CHI – Cairo Santos 40-yard field goal, 5:20. Bears 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:36.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 44-yard field goal, 2:35. Tied 24–24. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 2:45.
CHI – Caleb Williams 29-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 0:22. Bears 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:13.

Third quarter

CAR – Chuba Hubbard 2-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 9:02. Tied 31–31. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 2:26.
CHI – D'Andre Swift 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 3:05. Bears 38–31. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 5:57.
CHI – Kyle Monangai 61-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 0:40. Bears 45–31. Drive: 1 play, 61 yards, 0:10.

Fourth quarter

CHI – Jahdae Walker 1-yard pass from Caleb Williams (Cairo Santos kick), 6:27. Bears 52–31. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 8:23.
CAR – Jalen Coker 8-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick blocked), 4:00. Bears 52–37. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 2:27.
CHI – D'Andre Swift 28-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 3:40. Bears 59–37. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 0:20.

Top passers

CHI – Caleb Williams – 21/29, 269 yards, 2 TD
CAR – Bryce Young – 23/37, 361 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

CHI – D'Andre Swift – 18 rushes, 124 yards, 3 TD
CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 10 rushes, 49 yards, TD

Top receivers

CHI – Kalif Raymond – 8 receptions, 84 yards
CAR – Jalen Coker – 8 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD

In the Panthers' home opener, Chicago ended up being too much for Carolina in the second half. The Bears defeated the Panthers 59–37 and they started the season 0–1 for the fifth consecutive season. The 59 points for the Bears also set a new franchise record for the most points ever allowed in a single game.

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 2: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	10	10	14	0	34
Falcons	0	3	0	0	3

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Date: September 20
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
Game attendance: 71,143
Referee: Alex Moore
TV announcers (Fox): Tim Brando, Matt Millen and Sarah Kustok
Recap, Game Book

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter CAR – Chuba Hubbard 3-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 10:48. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:42. CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 37-yard field goal, 4:29. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 10 yards, 2:46. Second quarter CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 25-yard field goal, 5:54. Panthers 13–0. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 3:36. ATL – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 1:07. Panthers 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 4:47. CAR – Darren Waller 7-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 0:20. Panthers 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 0:47. Third quarter CAR – Darren Waller 12-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 9:38. Panthers 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 5:22. CAR – Devin Lloyd 16-yard interception return (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 2:58. Panthers 34–3. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers CAR – Bryce Young – 23/36, 287 yards, 3 TD ATL – Cooper Rush – 10/17, 86 yards, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 12 rushes, 53 yards ATL – Bijan Robinson – 16 rushes, 72 yards Top receivers CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 5 receptions, 101 yards ATL – Drake London – 4 receptions, 51 yards

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Chuba Hubbard 3-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 10:48. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:42.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 37-yard field goal, 4:29. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 10 yards, 2:46.

Second quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 25-yard field goal, 5:54. Panthers 13–0. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 3:36.
ATL – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 1:07. Panthers 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 4:47.
CAR – Darren Waller 7-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 0:20. Panthers 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 0:47.

Third quarter

CAR – Darren Waller 12-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 9:38. Panthers 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 5:22.
CAR – Devin Lloyd 16-yard interception return (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 2:58. Panthers 34–3.

Fourth quarter

No scoring plays

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 23/36, 287 yards, 3 TD
ATL – Cooper Rush – 10/17, 86 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 12 rushes, 53 yards
ATL – Bijan Robinson – 16 rushes, 72 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 5 receptions, 101 yards
ATL – Drake London – 4 receptions, 51 yards

The game started off with Atlanta fumbling the ball. Chuba Hubbard scored a touchdown for Carolina, followed by a Ryan Fitzgerald field goal. In Atlanta's next possession, Devin Lloyd tipped Cooper Rush's pass intended for Brian Robinson Jr., and it was intercepted by Bobby Okereke. On the Panthers' next possession, Fitzgerald converted a field goal, to extend the lead to 10. Late in the third, Bryce Young threw a touchdown pass to Darren Waller. Rush threw a second interception, caught by Lloyd, who scored a pick-six. The Panthers won 34–3 and they improved to 1–1. This marked their fourth consecutive win over the Falcons.

Week 3: at Cleveland Browns

Week 3: Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	3	6	9	18
Browns	0	10	0	11	21

at Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, Ohio

Date: September 27
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Sunny, 68 °F (20 °C)
Game attendance: 65,023
Referee: Land Clark
TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Jen Hale
Recap, Game Book

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter CLE – Andre Szmyt 48-yard field goal, 5:43. Browns 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 2:50. CLE – Harold Fannin Jr. 2-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Andre Szmyt kick), 1:37. Browns 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 1:59. CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 35-yard field goal, 0:27. Browns 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 1:10. Third quarter CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 41-yard field goal, 13:22. Browns 10–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:27. CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 53-yard field goal, 3:17. Browns 10–9. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 2:43. Fourth quarter CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 37-yard field goal, 11:41. Panthers 12–10. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:29. CLE – Andre Szmyt 45-yard field goal, 7:30. Browns 13–12. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:11. CAR – John Metchie III 8-yard pass from Bryce Young (pass failed), 4:25. Panthers 18–13. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:05. CLE – Harold Fannin Jr. 14-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Deshaun Watson–Denzel Boston pass), 1:48. Browns 21–18. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:37. Top passers CAR – Bryce Young – 26/48, 291 yards, TD, INT CLE – Deshaun Watson – 16/30, 144 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 19 rushes, 82 yards CLE – Quinshon Judkins – 18 rushes, 70 yards Top receivers CAR – Brycen Tremayne – 4 receptions, 83 yards CLE – Harold Fannin Jr. – 7 receptions, 51 yards, 2 TD

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays

Second quarter

CLE – Andre Szmyt 48-yard field goal, 5:43. Browns 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 2:50.
CLE – Harold Fannin Jr. 2-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Andre Szmyt kick), 1:37. Browns 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 1:59.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 35-yard field goal, 0:27. Browns 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 1:10.

Third quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 41-yard field goal, 13:22. Browns 10–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:27.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 53-yard field goal, 3:17. Browns 10–9. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 2:43.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 37-yard field goal, 11:41. Panthers 12–10. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:29.
CLE – Andre Szmyt 45-yard field goal, 7:30. Browns 13–12. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 4:11.
CAR – John Metchie III 8-yard pass from Bryce Young (pass failed), 4:25. Panthers 18–13. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:05.
CLE – Harold Fannin Jr. 14-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Deshaun Watson–Denzel Boston pass), 1:48. Browns 21–18. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:37.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 26/48, 291 yards, TD, INT
CLE – Deshaun Watson – 16/30, 144 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 19 rushes, 82 yards
CLE – Quinshon Judkins – 18 rushes, 70 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Brycen Tremayne – 4 receptions, 83 yards
CLE – Harold Fannin Jr. – 7 receptions, 51 yards, 2 TD

In the first quarter, neither team managed to score. The Browns took a 10–0 lead via a Andre Szmyt field goal and a Deshaun Watson touchdown to Harold Fannin Jr., and the Panthers cut the deficit to seven after Ryan Fitzgerald converted a field goal. Fitzgerald then converted two more field goals, making it a one point game. With 4:25 remaining, Carolina reduced the deficit to five after Bryce Young threw a touchdown pass to John Metchie III, though the two-point conversion was no good. Ultimately, the Panthers were defeated 18–21, and they fell to 1–2. This marked their third straight loss to the Browns.

Week 4: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 4: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	3	13	3	7	26
Panthers	7	9	13	3	32

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: October 4
Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Cloudy, 66 °F (19 °C)
Game attendance: 73,436
Referee: Clay Martin
TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark
Recap, Game Book

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter DET – Jake Bates 54-yard field goal, 12:05. Lions 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 2:55. CAR – Chuba Hubbard 15-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 1:50. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:00. Second quarter DET – Jake Bates 43-yard field goal, 12:37. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:13. CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 32-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick failed, hit right upright), 8:08. Panthers 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:29. DET – Jahmyr Gibbs 1-yard run (Jake Bates kick), 2:14. Tied 13–13. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:54. CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 47-yard field goal, 0:28. Panthers 16–13. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 1:46. DET – Jake Bates 41-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 16–16. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 0:28. Third quarter CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 10-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick failed, wide right), 9:33. Panthers 22–16. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:27. DET – Jake Bates 26-yard field goal, 6:21. Panthers 22–19. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:12. CAR – Chuba Hubbard 2-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 2:47. Panthers 29–19. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 3:34. Fourth quarter CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 33-yard field goal, 8:59. Panthers 32–19. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 5:44. DET – Sam LaPorta 8-yard pass from Jared Goff (Jake Bates kick), 3:38. Lions 31–24. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 2:29. Top passers DET – Jared Goff – 32/52, 412 yards, TD CAR – Bryce Young – 29/41, 329 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DET – Jahmyr Gibbs – 15 rushes, 46 yards, TD CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 20 rushes, 122 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DET – Sam LaPorta – 8 receptions, 84 yards, TD CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 14 receptions, 192 yards, 2 TD

Game information

First quarter

DET – Jake Bates 54-yard field goal, 12:05. Lions 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 2:55.
CAR – Chuba Hubbard 15-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 1:50. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:00.

Second quarter

DET – Jake Bates 43-yard field goal, 12:37. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:13.
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 32-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick failed, hit right upright), 8:08. Panthers 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:29.
DET – Jahmyr Gibbs 1-yard run (Jake Bates kick), 2:14. Tied 13–13. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:54.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 47-yard field goal, 0:28. Panthers 16–13. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 1:46.
DET – Jake Bates 41-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 16–16. Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 0:28.

Third quarter

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 10-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick failed, wide right), 9:33. Panthers 22–16. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:27.
DET – Jake Bates 26-yard field goal, 6:21. Panthers 22–19. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:12.
CAR – Chuba Hubbard 2-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 2:47. Panthers 29–19. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 3:34.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 33-yard field goal, 8:59. Panthers 32–19. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 5:44.
DET – Sam LaPorta 8-yard pass from Jared Goff (Jake Bates kick), 3:38. Lions 31–24. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 2:29.

Top passers

DET – Jared Goff – 32/52, 412 yards, TD
CAR – Bryce Young – 29/41, 329 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

DET – Jahmyr Gibbs – 15 rushes, 46 yards, TD
CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 20 rushes, 122 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

DET – Sam LaPorta – 8 receptions, 84 yards, TD
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 14 receptions, 192 yards, 2 TD

This was the Panthers' first Sunday Night Football game at home since 2015, and their first appearance on SNF overall since 2016.^[11]^[12] In the first half, Carolina took 13–6 lead with a Chuba Hubbard rushing touchdown and a Bryce Young pass to Tetairoa McMillan. In response, Jahmyr Gibbs scored a touchdown for the Lions. Both teams exchanged field goals, resulting in a 16–16 tie at halftime. Another Hubbard touchdown run and a Fitzgerald field goal extended Carolina's lead to 10. Ultimately, the Panthers won 32–26 and improved to 2–2.

Week 6: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 6: Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	7	3	12	25
Eagles	0	7	0	7	14

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date: October 18
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Sunny, 53 °F (12 °C)
Game attendance: 69,879
Referee: John Hussey
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Ross Tucker and Evan Washburn
Recap, Game Book

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 47-yard field goal, 10:50. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 2:38. Second quarter CAR – Tommy Tremble 12-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzergerald kick), 8:08. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:24. PHI – Dameon Pierce 2-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 2:42. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:26. Third quarter CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 52-yard field goal, 11:32. Panthers 13–7. Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 3:28. Fourth quarter CAR – Chuba Hubbard 1-yard run (pass failed), 13:34. Panthers 19–7. Drive: 14 plays, 92 yards, 7:43. PHI – DeVonta Smith 19-yard pass from Tanner McKee (Jake Elliott kick), 10:42. Panthers 19–14. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 2:52. CAR – Tommy Tremble 19-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick failed), 6:33. Panthers 25–14. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:51. Top passers CAR – Bryce Young – 20/39, 281 yards, 2 TD PHI – Tanner McKee – 26/45, 215 yards, TD Top rushers CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 28 rushes, 120 yards, TD PHI – Dameon Pierce – 12 rushes, 35 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Jalen Coker – 6 receptions, 97 yards PHI – DeVonta Smith – 7 receptions, 75 yards, TD

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 47-yard field goal, 10:50. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 2:38.

Second quarter

CAR – Tommy Tremble 12-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzergerald kick), 8:08. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:24.
PHI – Dameon Pierce 2-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 2:42. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:26.

Third quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 52-yard field goal, 11:32. Panthers 13–7. Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 3:28.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Chuba Hubbard 1-yard run (pass failed), 13:34. Panthers 19–7. Drive: 14 plays, 92 yards, 7:43.
PHI – DeVonta Smith 19-yard pass from Tanner McKee (Jake Elliott kick), 10:42. Panthers 19–14. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 2:52.
CAR – Tommy Tremble 19-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick failed), 6:33. Panthers 25–14. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:51.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 20/39, 281 yards, 2 TD
PHI – Tanner McKee – 26/45, 215 yards, TD

Top rushers

CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 28 rushes, 120 yards, TD
PHI – Dameon Pierce – 12 rushes, 35 yards, TD

Top receivers

CAR – Jalen Coker – 6 receptions, 97 yards
PHI – DeVonta Smith – 7 receptions, 75 yards, TD

The Panthers started the game with a Ryan Fitzgerald field goal and extended their lead to 10 thanks to a Bryce Young pass to Tommy Tremble. In response, the Eagles cut the deficit to three via a Dameon Pierce rush. In the fourth quarter, Carolina scored two more touchdowns, a Chuba Hubbard rush and a Young pass to Tremble and the Panthers defeated the Eagles 25–14, improving to 3–2.

Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	0	0	0	0	0
Panthers	0	0	0	0	0

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: October 25
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Referee: Carl Cheffers
TV: Fox
Preview

Standings

Division

More information NFC South, W ...

NFC South
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Carolina Panthers	3	2	0	.600	1–0	3–1	146	123	W2
Atlanta Falcons	2	4	0	.333	1–1	2–2	142	153	L2
New Orleans Saints	2	4	0	.333	0–1	1–3	152	178	W1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	1	5	0	.167	0–0	1–2	119	138	L1

Conference

More information Seed, Team ...

NFC v t e
Seed	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1^[a]	Minnesota Vikings	North	5	0	0	1.000	2–0	4–0	.379	.379	W5
2^[a]	San Francisco 49ers	West	6	0	0	1.000	3–0	4–0	.357	.357	W6
3	Carolina Panthers	South	3	2	0	.600	1–0	3–1	.517	.412	W2
4	New York Giants	East	3	2	1	.583	1–0–1	2–2–1	.292	.278	L1
Wild cards
5^[b]	Green Bay Packers	North	4	2	0	.667	1–1	3–2	.457	.375	W3
6^[b]	Chicago Bears	North	4	2	0	.667	0–2	3–2	.529	.391	W1
7	Detroit Lions	North	3	2	0	.600	0–0	2–1	.483	.333	W1
In the hunt
8	Seattle Seahawks	West	3	3	0	.500	1–1	1–2	.486	.333	L2
9^[c]^[d]	Atlanta Falcons	South	2	4	0	.333	1–1	2–2	.600	.500	L2
10^[d]^[e]^[f]	New Orleans Saints	South	2	4	0	.333	0–1	1–3	.603	.625	W1
11^[c]^[e]^[f]^[g]	Philadelphia Eagles	East	2	4	0	.333	1–0	1–3	.443	.208	L4
12^[g]^[h]	Dallas Cowboys	East	2	4	0	.333	1–1	1–3	.444	.292	L2
13^[c]^[e]^[h]^[i]	Arizona Cardinals	West	2	4	0	.333	1–2	1–4	.500	.167	W1
14^[i]	Los Angeles Rams	West	2	4	0	.333	0–2	2–2	.625	.458	L1
15	Washington Commanders	East	1	4	1	.250	0–2–1	1–3–1	.514	.500	L1
16	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	1	5	0	.167	0–0	1–2	.647	.333	L1

Notes

[a]
Minnesota wins tie break over San Francisco based on strength of victory.
[b]
Green Bay wins tie break over Chicago based on head-to-head victory.
[c]
Atlanta wins tie break over Philadelphia and Arizona based on conference record. Division tie breaks were initially used to eliminate New Orleans, Dallas and LA Rams (see below).
[d]
Atlanta wins tie break over New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
[e]
New Orleans and Philadelphia win tie break over Arizona based on conference record. Division tie breaks were initially used to eliminate Dallas and LA Rams (see below).
[f]
New Orleans wins tie break over Philadelphia based on strength of victory.
[g]
Philadelphia wins tie break over Dallas based on division record.
[h]
Dallas wins tie break over Arizona based on conference record. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate LA Rams (see below).
[i]
Arizona wins tie break over LA Rams based on head-to-head victory.

2026 Carolina Panthers season

Offseason

Draft

Staff

Current roster

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: at Cleveland Browns

Week 4: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 6: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Standings

Division

Conference

Notes

References

External links

Related Articles

Timelines

Top Qs

Fact Checks