The Carolina Panthers’ starting offense struggled in a preseason matchup against the Houston Texans, falling 20-3 at NRG Stadium on Saturday. Quarterback Bryce Young and the first-team offense played only two series, failing to complete a pass and ending both drives with three-and-outs. Young finished 0-for-2, with one incompletion coming off tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders’ hands and another just out of reach for receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
Young was also sacked on third down during his limited time on the field. This performance differed from his showing during joint practices earlier in the week, where he led an effective two-minute drill that resulted in a touchdown pass to Sanders.
The Panthers’ starting defense also played two series. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown returned to game action for the first time since suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. “It was very few, but it was good to be back out here,” Brown said during a sideline interview with the Panthers Television Network. “Just trusting the process throughout this whole past year, begging to just get something out here today, so I was able to be out here with the team, so I was excited to be able to go out there and just kind of set the tone from the beginning of the week, showing up here, doing a joint practice and then just rolling into this game and being able to be with my teammates.”
The Texans scored after quarterback CJ Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a fourth-down conversion against Carolina’s defense. Linebacker Trevin Wallace returned after missing joint practices due to personal reasons. Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III made an impact by batting down a third-down pass.
After starters exited, backup defenders saw more action due to injuries among linebackers. Claudin Cherelus remained sidelined as he recovers from a groin injury. Jon Rhattigan and Krys Barnes filled in; Rhattigan broke up a fourth-down pass while Barnes brought experience from previous stints with Arizona and Green Bay.
On offense, guard Ja’Tyre Carter left in the third quarter due to injury but later returned after medical evaluation. Carter had started last week’s preseason opener against Cleveland and is part of an offensive line group that brings back most key contributors from last season along with depth additions.
In special teams play, rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald converted a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter as part of an ongoing kicking competition. Veteran Matthew Wright missed on a 55-yard attempt late in the game.
