Final Result and Top Performers
The Carolina Panthers secured a narrow 16-13 victory over the visiting Houston Texans in their preseason finale on Friday, August 28, 2026. The game, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, before an attendance of 72,041, concluded with Carolina improving to 3-1 on the season, while the Texans dropped to 0-3.
Carolina’s quarterback Kyle Trask directed the offense with 19 completions on 28 attempts for 147 yards, though he also threw one interception. Running back Anthony Tyus III provided ground support with 10 carries for 41 yards. Ja'seem Reed was the primary receiving target, logging two catches for 37 yards.
On the other side, Texans quarterback Brett Rypien completed 13 of 23 passes for 101 yards, accounting for one touchdown and one interception. Deuce Vaughn led Houston’s rushing attack with 12 carries for 36 yards. Wide receiver Josh Kelly was the top pass catcher for Houston, recording three receptions for 36 yards.
First Half Scoring Battle
The opening half was characterized by field goal exchanges rather than touchdowns. The Texans struck first in the second quarter when Ka'imi Fairbairn connected on a 38-yard field goal, giving Houston a 3-0 lead. Carolina responded later in the period as kicker Ryan Fitzgerald nailed a 30-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.
Carolina took the lead before halftime when Fitzgerald added another successful kick from 37 yards out, making the score 6-3 in favor of the home team. The scoring drought continued into the third quarter, but both offenses managed to add points via the ground game or short passing plays that did not result in touchdowns.
