Texans vs. Panthers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

Two up-and-coming franchises in the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers will clash in a preseason opener on Saturday night in Charlotte.

Houston is coming off a season in which it won the AFC South division for the first time in franchise history, while Carolina is hoping to ride second-year quarterback Cam Newton to new heights in 2012.

Here is everything you need to know for Saturday night's preseason showdown in North Carolina.

When: Saturday, August 11 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Watch: NFL Network

Listen: KILT 610 AM (Houston), WBT 1110 AM (Charlotte)

Live Streaming: NFL Audio Pass

Betting Line: Panthers (-2.5), according to Covers.com.

What's At Stake?

For superstars like Cam Newton and Arian Foster, nothing is at stake on Saturday night other than their health as it pertains to the regular season. For the players struggling to earn a roster spot in 2012, Saturday night's preseason matchup offers up an opportunity to showcase themselves in a game situation in front of the coaches who will be deciding their NFL futures. 

Key Texans Injuries

*According to CBSSports

DL JJ Watt (Elbow), doubtful for preseason

WR Andre Johnson (Groin), questionable for Saturday's matchup vs. Carolina

LB Brian Cushing (Infection), doubtful for Saturday's matchup vs. Carolina

Key Panthers Injuries

*According to CBSSports

LB Thomas Davis (Calf), questionable for Saturday's matchup vs. Houston

DL Andre Neblett (Suspension), eligible to return Week 5 vs. Seattle

Fantasy Prospect to Watch

Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels led the team in receptions last season with superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson missing time because of injury. Daniels was targeted in the passing game 84 times last season, catching 54 balls for 677 yards and three touchdowns.

The 29-year-old is a promising fantasy football prospect this summer given his experience with the offense and former Texans tight end Joel Dreessen's move to the Denver Broncos this offseason. Dreessen's departure will surely open up some more opportunities for Daniels this fall.

What They're Saying

It's been a scary week for Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, who was released from the hospital on Thursday morning, according to The Houston Chronicle's John McClain:

"

Kubiak said he hopes Cushing will be at today’s light afternoon practice. Cushing spent two nights in the hospital because of a viral infection. Don’t expect him to play in Saturday’s preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers.

"

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera hasn't been pleased at all with his players' intensity during training camp this summer, according to Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer:

"

“I wanted to make sure people understand the way you’ve got to practice. We’re starting to back off now looking to game time…I wanted to make the point that a lot of opportunities are being passed up by not practicing hard,” Rivera said. “Just because we back down doesn’t mean we don’t practice hard. We don’t want the big collisions because we’re not in full pads. But to do what we did for two periods and basically waste that time, that was disappointing.”

"

Texans Player to Watch

Arian Foster will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in thousands of fantasy football drafts this summer. The star running back rushed for 1,224 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago on 278 carries. Foster was also Houston's second-leading receiver in 2011, catching 53 passes for 617 yards and two additional scores. 

Foster has over 3,000 yards rushing since he entered the league in 2009, and will likely only touch the ball a couple of times, if at all, on Saturday night. The Texans will want him 100 percent healthy heading into the games that count. But if he takes even one snap in the Houston back field, fans won't want to miss it.

Panthers Player to Watch

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton may be the most exciting offensive player in the game this coming season, especially after he smashed records in his first season in the NFL in 2011. Newton threw for more than 4,000 yards and rushed for 14 touchdowns on the ground. 

The second-year signal-caller will lead Carolina into their first preseason game of 2012, but he likely won't play at all after the first quarter. Fans should watch for Newton's control of the offense and determine whether he is comfortable under center against one of the league's best defenses.

Key Matchup

The key matchup to look for in this game is the Panthers' rushing attack against the Texans' run-stoppers.

Houston ranked fourth in the NFL last season in rush defense, allowing no more than 96 yards per game on the ground. Meanwhile, Carolina ranked third in the league in rushing offense, amassing more than 150 yards per game on the ground. 

The dynamic running back duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will have their work cut out for them in the early goings against Connor Barwin and the Houston D.

Prediction

The Panthers handled the Texans easily during the two teams' Week 15 matchup last season, beating them 28-13 on their home turf. I say Houston bounces back and avenges their loss by topping the Panthers in Charlotte on Saturday night.

Texans 24, Panthers 13

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