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Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks about keeping fan-favorite QB on initial roster
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- Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks about keeping fan-favorite QB on initial roster
Long live the King, says Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan.
On Sunday, rookie Haynes King was one of three quarterbacks—alongside starter Bryce Young and backup Kenny Pickett —featured on the Panthers' initial 53-man roster . His inclusion marked the first time that Morgan and his front office kept three passers through the summer.
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Morgan explained that decision on Tuesday.
"You look at his athleticism and then seeing him out there on the field," he told reporters. "You watch his college tape and you think he's just a runner. He's not just a runner. He can sit in the pocket, he can process, he can get the ball out quick, he knows where to go with the ball.
"And I think you saw him in the Hall of Fame Game—the way that he operated the offense, led the offense. We felt like he was a guy we didn't want to expose to waivers. We didn't wanna let somebody have the opportunity to get him. He's our type of guy. The type of guy that we wanna work with and continue to develop."
That Hall of Fame Game saw King complete 21 of his 34 throws for 180 yards and two touchdowns in Carolina's 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals . He also scored the game-winning 5-yard touchdown run as time expired.
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His walk-off rush, however, came at a price—as King injured his hamstring on the dive into the end zone. He was unable to suit up for the remaining three preseason outings.
In a positive sign, King was seen participating in practice this morning.
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Tetairoa McMillan praises red-hot Panthers OC Brad Idzik
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks about keeping fan-favorite QB on initial roster
