NFL preseason hero is already out with an injury

Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Carolina Panthers helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the pregame at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The hero of the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game will miss some time in the wake of his outstanding performance.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King is week-to-week after suffering a hamstring injury, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. The news comes days after King garnered attention for his dynamic performance in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

King, an undrafted free agent, garnered rave reviews for some of his throws, as well as for the late comeback he led the Panthers on.

This throw by Haynes King 😮‍💨@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/bKtIsO1ygy
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026

HAYNES KING WINS IT FOR THE PANTHERS ‼️ pic.twitter.com/HESbUZGhBN
— NFL (@NFL) August 7, 2026

King went 21-of-34 with 180 passing yards and three total touchdowns in the 33-30 win. He was good enough that some speculated King might push Kenny Pickett for Carolina’s backup quarterback job.

King starred at Georgia Tech in the last three seasons. His bid to cement himself a roster spot has hit something of a roadblock now.