Even though it is just preseason, it’s safe to say football is back.
Not only is it back, but we also have an NFL game scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Before kickoff at 8 p.m. ET, two legends from each team will be honored for their upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, as retired Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald have been announced for the class of 2026.
As for the players on the field, plenty of young players will look to jump-start their careers on Thursday, while others may be looking for a chance at revival. Regardless, the game should be interesting.
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With the Panthers and Cardinals announcing their starting quarterbacks for the Hall of Fame Game, let’s see how the two stack up against one another.
Starter breakdown
Carson Beck, Arizona Cardinals
Jul 23, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Drafted by Arizona in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carson Beck will get a shot to prove his worth as the potential QB2 for the Cardinals The rookie will make his NFL debut on Thursday night.
Beck was highly regarded for his winning ability as a quarterback, having success at Georgia and Miami, but his accuracy and decision-making on film were key factors in the 24-year-old slipping into the third round.
He’ll have some decent weapons to work with in speedster Xavier Weaver and rookie fifth-rounder Reggie Virgil, as well as other receivers looking to impress the front office.
It’s unknown if Beck will play the whole game or pass the duties off to veteran Gardner Minshew or Kedon Slovis at some point, but still, for a rookie third-rounder, the Hall of Fame Game is a great start.
Kenny Pickett, Carolina Panthers
Jul 31, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett throws with Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King (16) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Image
Entering the fifth year of his NFL career, Kenny Pickett gets the nod as the Panthers’ starter on Thursday, with the backup quarterback hoping to show teams around the league and Carolina that he’s worth taking a chance on as a starter.
A first-round pick in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickett has played for Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and most recently the Las Vegas Raiders, totaling over 4,900 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in the four-year span.
He signed a one-year deal with Carolina this spring, signaling the likelihood of another backup opportunity now behind the Panthers’ QB1 Bryce Young.
Still, with the chance to start in the first preseason game of the NFL season, Pickett has proven to a few front offices that he has the potential to play on their team; now he’s just hoping to show he can start as well.
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