Panthers vs Texans: Offensive Preview

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 21: Jimmy Horn Jr. #15 of the Carolina Panthers runs against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the preseason game at EverBank Field on August 21, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Dave Canales really killed most of the intrigue with this game when he announced that the starters would not be playing after getting a heavy workload in joint practices with the Houston Texans. Those apparently did not go well for the offense, so it's probably a good thing that they won't get subjected to more torture in front of a significant audience on the television. Instead, their last preseason action will be a solid drive against the Jaguars that ended with a touchdown run from Jonathon Brooks.

It'd be nice to have more positives to look at going into the regular season, but I guess we'll have to make do with what we've got, and that's a couple nice practices and one good drive against the Jaguars. On Friday, we'll watch the backups get one last chance to make an impression and earn more looks or even a spot on the roster going into the regular season. Here's what we cant watch for:

• Will a rotational receiver separate themselves from the pack? Jimmy Horn Jr. has frequently been lauded for his work in practices with his speed and ability to take the top of the defense. He's had some flashes in preseason games as well, including a 39 yard run on an end around last week and four catches for 44 yards in the preseason opener. Ja'seem Reed has been the annual training camp wide receiver standout and has scored a touchdown. John Metchie III has shown some underneath receiving chops, and Roc Taylor has a nice touchdown catct. There are a lot of receivers jockeying for position behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker (and I guess Xavier Legette). All of them are going to get opportunities to show out one more time before the coaching staff sets the final roster. A standout showing could get someone some more looks once the regular season gets started.
• What does the offensive line depth look like? It's been a mixed bag for the offensive line depth. They did a good job against the Jaguars not allowing a single sack, but they gave up three sacks on Kenny Pickett against the Bills and have had some shaky moments throughout camp. The Texans have one of the nastiest defenses in the league, and even their reserves are likely to cause some problems for the offensive line. If they hold up, it'll instill some confidence for what the group can do if any are pressed into action during the regular season.
• Generate some explosives! I know the preseason usually isn't a place for chunk plays, but I'd like to see some just so we know the offense is capable of it. Kenny Pickett was notorious for his conservative passing style in Pittsburgh and has done more of the same in the preseason thus far. The receivers are going to be looking for opportunities to show out, and I'd like to see Pickett (and Kyle Trask) push the ball down the field and give the receivers a chance to make some plays.