Full Breakdown
Haynes King's Hall of Fame Game Heroics and Hamstring Setback
8/8/2026, 11:58:26 PM
Core Event: Game-Winning Performance and Injury
On August 6, 2026, rookie quarterback Haynes King delivered a decisive 5-yard touchdown run as time expired, giving the Carolina Panthers a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. King completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, added three carries for 39 rushing yards, and finished the contest with zero interceptions.
During the final drive, King scrambled on a third-and-14 for 26 yards before diving into the end zone on the last play. Shortly after the game, a league source reported that King had suffered a hamstring injury and would be listed as “week-to-week” for the remainder of the preseason.
Background & Context
King entered the 2026 season as an undrafted free agent after signing with the Panthers in late April. He was the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year in 2025 and had not been selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Panthers’ depth chart places King behind first-round pick Bryce Young and veteran Kenny Pickett, making his roster status uncertain.
Data & Statistics
- Passing: 21/34, 180 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
- Rushing: 3 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD (game-winner)
- Total points: 33 (Panthers) vs. 30 (Cardinals) – 63 combined points, 30 more than preseason expectations
- Third-down conversions on the winning drive: 3, including a critical third-and-14
- Upcoming exhibition games: vs. Buffalo Bills on Aug. 15; final preseason matchup vs. Houston Texans on Aug. 28, two days before the roster-cut deadline
Official Statements & Responses
A league source, who was not authorized to speak publicly on injury status, confirmed King’s hamstring issue and described him as “week-to-week.” The same source indicated that the Panthers are evaluating additional quarterback options while King recovers, noting recent workouts with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Kyle Trask and former UFL MVP Jack Plummer.
Haynes King reflected on his performance, saying, “I’m very excited I got this opportunity. I feel like I went out there and operated at a high level.”
What’s Next
The Panthers will assess King’s health during the upcoming practice sessions leading up to the Bills game on Aug. 15. If the injury persists, the team may add another quarterback before the final exhibition against the Texans on Aug. 28, after which the 53-man roster must be trimmed. King’s ability to remain on the active roster will depend on his recovery timeline and the outcome of the Panthers’ quarterback evaluations.
