The Carolina Panthers defeated the Houston Texans 16-13 in Friday’s NFL preseason Week 4 matchup, using Kyle Trask’s 19/28, 147 YDS, 1 INT passing line to help secure a 3-1 preseason finish at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina never trailed after taking a 6-3 halftime lead, but Houston stayed within one score throughout a competitive, low-scoring evening in Charlotte. After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers created separation with a 6-3 edge in the second. Both teams added three points in the third quarter, preserving Carolina’s three-point advantage entering the final period.
The fourth quarter matched the tight script of the night. Houston scored seven points and Carolina answered with seven of its own, leaving the Texans unable to erase the deficit. The Panthers closed out the 16-13 result without overtime, turning a narrow halftime advantage into a preseason victory in front of 72,041 fans.
Key Performers
Kyle Trask provided Carolina’s passing production, completing 19 of 28 throws for 147 yards with one interception. Trask did not throw a touchdown, but his 19 completions led all passers in the game and helped the Panthers maintain offensive rhythm across four quarters.
Anthony Tyus III paced the Panthers on the ground with 10 carries for 41 yards. His 4.1-yard average gave Carolina a dependable rushing option in a game where each possession carried added value.
Ja’seem Reed was Carolina’s receiving-yardage leader with two receptions for 37 yards. Reed’s production accounted for more than one-quarter of Trask’s passing yards and supplied an efficient downfield element to the Panthers’ offense.
NerdSports Stat: Carolina scored in each of the final three quarters and never trailed after taking its 6-3 second-quarter lead.
For Houston, the final score continued a difficult preseason at 0-3, though the Texans matched Carolina’s output in both the third and fourth quarters. The one-score finish offers a reminder that the margin between a win and a loss often comes down to converting enough early opportunities and protecting a late-game deficit.
Carolina heads toward the regular season with a 3-1 preseason record and will host the Chicago Bears on Sunday, September 13. Houston will look to reset before visiting the Buffalo Bills on the same day, with both clubs shifting their focus toward the games that shape the playoff picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carolina Panthers defeated Houston Texans 16-13 on August 28, 2026.
Kyle Trask threw for 147 yards and 0 touchdowns.
No, the Panthers held off the Texans in regulation.
Carolina Panthers is now 3-1; Houston Texans is 0-3.
The Panthers play the Chicago Bears on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT.