Panthers Starting QB to Sit Preseason Opener Against Patriots

The Patriots and Carolina Panthers kick off the Week 1 preseason slate Thursday, but a quarterback selected in the top three of the NFL draft won't suit up.

New England head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed Tuesday that Drake Maye will play in the preseason opener at Gillette Stadium, but he didn't dive into details about how much the 2024 third-overall pick will play.

Carolina also announced its quarterback plans Tuesday when it confirmed Bryce Young won't play in the preseason opener. Head coach Dave Canales wanted to keep last year's No. 1 overall pick fresh and chose to hold him out of Thursday's matchup. Andy Dalton hasn't been a full participant in practice for the Panthers, which sets up undrafted rookie Jack Plummer -- no relation to former Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer -- to take the majority of the work. Jake Luton was signed this week as the team's fourth signal-caller.

Fans tuning in Thursday likely will get a rookie quarterback battle between Maye and Jack Plummer with each QB fighting for the starting and backup job for their respective teams.

Mayo nor Canales revealed how much of their team's starters would play Thursday, but the Week 1 preseason matchup does highlight the return of weekly NFL action.