Panthers Edge Texans 16-13 in Friday Night Showdown

A High-Scoring Preseason Clash Ends Close

The Carolina Panthers defeated the visiting Houston Texans 16-13 on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium. The contest featured a total of 29 points and saw both teams trade leads throughout the game. Attendance reached 72,041 fans, creating a loud atmosphere for the preseason matchup.

The Panthers improved to a 3-1 record, while the Texans dropped to 0-3. The game was decided by a late fourth-quarter touchdown run from Miles Davis, which gave Carolina the lead it would not relinquish.

Field Goals Dictate Early Momentum

Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter before the second period saw a flurry of kicking activity. Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a 38-yard field goal to give the Texans a 3-0 lead. Carolina responded quickly, with Ryan Fitzgerald hitting a 30-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.

Fitzgerald then added a 37-yard field goal to put the Panthers ahead 6-3 at halftime. The third quarter continued this trend, with Fitzgerald connecting on a 28-yard field goal to extend the lead to 9-3. Fairbairn answered with a 47-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 9-6 heading into the final quarter.

Late Decisive Plays Seal the Result

The fourth quarter provided the game’s decisive moments. Miles Davis broke through for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, with Ryan Fitzgerald adding the extra point to make the score 16-6. Houston mounted a final drive, culminating in a 6-yard pass from Brett Rypien to Zay Jones.

Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked the extra point, bringing the Texans to within three points at 13-16, but time expired before they could equalize. The final whistle confirmed the Panthers’ narrow victory.

Key Performances and Statistics

Carolina’s Kyle Trask completed 19 of 28 passes for 147 yards and one interception. On the ground, Anthony Tyus III rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries, while Ja’seem Reed caught two passes for 37 yards. For Houston, Brett Rypien threw for 101 yards on 13 of 23 attempts, accounting for one touchdown and one interception.

Deuce Vaughn carried the ball 12 times for 36 yards, and Josh Kelly led the Texans in receiving with three catches for 36 yards. These performances highlighted the balanced offensive efforts from both squads in a tightly contested affair.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401873307