The Carolina Panthers opened their 2026 preseason schedule with a bang, playing an instant classic with the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game last Thursday night. So, what will they do for an encore on Saturday in Buffalo?
Well, this time, they're set to roll out their starters—which may give us even more to chew on this preseason.
Here are four players we'll be watching closely when the Panthers take on the Bills this weekend:
RB Jonathon Brooks
This will be the first time we get to see Brooks in live action since he tore his ACL in the middle of the 2024 campaign. And with Chuba Hubbard sidelined by a hamstring injury, the former second-round pick will get the starting nod out of the backfield.
Brooks has impressed observers with his burst and sharpness throughout spring and summer workouts. We'll see, even in a limited amount of playing time, if that translates onto the field.
RT Monroe Freeling
Although watching the debut of a rookie offensive lineman may not be very exciting, at least compared to players at skill positions, Freeling's first outing is certainly worth focusing on.
The 6-foot-7, 318-pounder, who was widely considered to be the top left tackle of the 2026 draft class, will be starting at right tackle for the foreseeable future in place of Taylor Moton. Freeling did see some time at that spot for the University of Georgia, recording 257 snaps there between 2023 and 2024—so this isn't a completely new job for the 22-year-old.
How well will he hold up?
OLB Jaelan Phillips
This matchup will also be our first chance to see the team's biggest free-agent splurge.
After signing a four-year, $120 million deal that ranks him in the top-10 earners at his position, Phillips has to prove that he can turn a high pressure rate into more sacks. He is also a stout run defender, though—so his value is more than just boosting Carolina's long-suffering pass rush.
CB Corey Thornton
The Panthers still have several position battles to settle before the season starts, including at nickel corner.
Based on what we saw in the Hall of Fame Game last week, it seems to be an open competition between Thornton and 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade. Thornton seemed to be the favorite heading into the summer, as head coach Dave Canales told reporters that he won the job as a rookie in 2025.
Can Thornton keep Smith-Wade off his pace?
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 Panthers players to watch in Saturday's preseason game vs. Bills