Who Should I Start? George Kittle or Bryce Young

Saturday, August 16, 3:55 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is expected to make his preseason debut in the team's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran is entering his ninth professional season at 31 years old after a stellar 2024 campaign in which he hauled in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league's best tight ends. Kittle, considered a stalwart and the heart of the team, will look to get some valuable reps ahead of the regular season.

Sunday, August 17, 11:40 AM

The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young turned in a performance to forget in a 20-3 preseason loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday. Head coach Dave Canales had planned for Young and the starting offense to play three series, but he wound up pulling the third-year QB after a mere six plays. Young went 0-for-2, took a sack, and threw an interception to cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. that was negated by a defensive holding call. The former No. 1 overall pick gained two yards on a scramble, but that was it in terms of positive plays. Canales announced that the starters won't play the exhibition finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, meaning Young will wrap up his preseason 4-for-8 for 58 yards over two games. Heading into his age-24 campaign, Young is expected to take another step forward after showing progress last year. He tossed 12 touchdowns against three interceptions in his final eight games in 2024, leading to hope that the former Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama had figured it out at the NFL level. The Young-led Panthers will open the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 7.