Cardinals and Panthers report to 2026 training camp first
By FF Beacon
This story was written by FF Beacon's automated news desk. Michael built the desk and oversees it.
Updated
The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers reported to 2026 training camp on July 22, the first two NFL teams to check in this cycle. The early start is required by their participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The remaining 30 teams will all be in camp by July 28.
The Cardinals are the designated home team. It is Arizona's sixth appearance in Canton, where they carry a 1-3-1 record in previous Hall of Fame games. For Carolina, it is their first return to Canton since their inaugural 1995 appearance against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony on August 8 features two players tied to these franchises: longtime Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly. Drew Brees, Roger Craig, and Adam Vinatieri complete the five-person class.
Cardinals fantasy outlook for 2026
Arizona enters 2026 under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur with a roster that offers real fantasy interest at multiple positions.
Tight end Trey McBride is the centerpiece. His 126 receptions in 2025 set the NFL single-season record for a tight end, making him a first-round fantasy asset in both redraft and dynasty formats.
The Cardinals used the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Love earned first-team All-American honors at Notre Dame and projects as a workhorse back. Fantasy projections put him around 247 carries, over 1,000 rushing yards, and pass-catching upside that lifts his floor in PPR leagues. He is a likely RB1 if the workload materializes.
Panthers fantasy outlook for 2026
Carolina won the NFC South title in 2025. Quarterback Bryce Young, now in his third season under head coach Dave Canales, threw for more than 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns last year.
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan won the 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award after catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns on 14.5 yards per catch. Young targeted him seven times in the end zone. McMillan projects as a strong WR2 in 2026 with genuine upside if his target share grows in year two.
If you roster any of these players, camp reports starting now will shape snap share and depth chart decisions before the preseason ends. McBride, Love, and McMillan are all worth tracking once padded practices begin.