Late-Game Shifts Decide Close Contest
A 16-13 final score highlighted a tightly contested preseason matchup that unfolded at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Carolina Panthers, playing as the home team, secured the victory against the visiting Houston Texans on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The game drew a crowd of 72,041 fans, with the outcome hinging on late-period scoring that shifted the momentum back and forth before the final whistle.
Field Goals Shape Early Lead
The first quarter ended scoreless, setting the tone for a defensive struggle that persisted into the second period. Houston struck first in the second quarter when Ka'imi Fairbairn connected on a 38-yard field goal, giving the Texans a 3-0 lead. Carolina responded quickly, with Ryan Fitzgerald narrowing the gap with a 30-yard field goal.
Moments later, Fitzgerald extended the home lead with a 37-yard kick, putting the Panthers up 6-3 at halftime. The third quarter saw continued reliance on the kicking game, as Fitzgerald added a 28-yard field goal to increase the Panthers' advantage to 9-3. Fairbairn then cut into the deficit with a 47-yard field goal, leaving Houston trailing 9-6 as the fourth quarter began.
