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See the full story · 3 sourcesFive players that impressed in 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game between from Haynes King to Jalen Brooks originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Hall of Fame Game signaled the beginning of the NFL season, with the Carolina Panthers defeating the Arizona Cardinals in a 33-30 thriller.
While this game featured almost entirely backups, it was high scoring and entertaining, making it a good way to open the preseason. Within the contest were a few notable names who once starred in college and are now looking to prove they belong in the NFL.
As both teams get the extra preseason game, the Cardinals and Panthers can use it to give young players more reps and further evaluate their talent. Some players came out of the game with a handful of highlights, which should help in their quest to make the roster.
Here's five names who impressed the most on Thursday night.
MORE : Grading Carson Beck's NFL debut
Five players that impressed in NFL Hall of Fame Game
Carson Beck
Beck was the story for most of the night, producing 188 passing yards and a touchdown in more than a half of work. The former Georgia and Miami quarterback was a high-profile player in college but didn't go until the third round of the NFL Draft.
Every completion from @carsonbeck01 's preseason debut 👀 pic.twitter.com/0WI9ofkRYw
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026 Beck enters the NFL more experienced than most rookies, and it showed with how he played. The 24-year-old commanded the offense and was confident and accurate throughout the game, making the right first impression in the NFL.
MORE: Could Carson Beck create a QB controversy in Arizona?
Haynes King
While Kenny Pickett got the start, it was Haynes King who played the bulk of the game for the Panthers at quarterback. The former Georgia Tech quarterback is a dual-threat player, but impressed more as a passer than as a runner in his first game. He showed why he can stick around.
King had 180 passing yards, 39 rushing yards and three total touchdowns as he fights to make it as the third-string quarterback on the Panthers' depth chart. Then, he won the game on the final play with a game-winning scramble, capping off the night with fireworks and making a memory along the way.
HAYNES KING WINS IT FOR THE PANTHERS ‼️ pic.twitter.com/HESbUZGhBN
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026 Jalen Brooks
Brooks was on the other end of Beck's highlight throws throughout the night, making plays down the field for the Cardinals. A fourth-year player out of South Carolina, Brooks has never been much more than a depth option, but he made a few really nice catches against the Panthers.
Carson Beck to Jalen Brooks. WOW. @ProFootballHOF Game on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/VjnMEP2mIQ
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026 Brooks is currently buried on the Cardinals' depth chart and needs a strong Summer to make the team. His performance of three catches for 99 yards on Thursday night should put him in the right direction for the rest of training camp.
Andrew Billings
Billings, the 31-year-old veteran, is more experienced than most players in this game, so it's no surprise that he stood out. The defensive tackle had four tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in his appearance on Thursday night, proving why he has been in the league for so long.
What a sack by Andrew Billings 😮💨 @ProFootballHOF Game on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/npDsR67fqm
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026 As the Cardinals roster is one of the weakest in the league this year, Billings should be able to get time along the defensive line. His performance vs. the Panthers was a nice start to his season.
Miles Davis
Miles Davis didn't get many opportunities, but he did have a highlight play when he did get the ball. The running back had four carries for 53 yards on the night, but 36 of those yards came on an impressive run and one of the bigger highlight plays for Carolina on the night.
Miles Davis turns on the wheels 🛞 @ProFootballHOF Game on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/sO6TQMLEhU
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026 Davis is pretty far down on the depth chart, so he's not just trying to prove the Panthers he's deserving of a spot, but maybe another team likes what they see. That highlight run could be enough to get Davis a chance somewhere else.
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