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

The Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off at Heinz Field on Thursday in the final night of preseason action this summer. 

Both teams have seen their most important stars go down to injury this preseason, and will sit them this week while the unknowns struggling for a roster spot attempt to prove to the coaches that they belong. 

Here is everything you need to know for Thursday night's regular season warm-up between the Panthers and Steelers.

When: Thursday, August 30 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

Watch: Fox (Charlotte), CBS 2 (Pittsburgh)

Listen: WBT 1110 AM (Charlotte), WDVE 102.5 FM (Pittsburgh)

Live Streaming: NFL Preseason Live

Betting Line: Steelers (-3.5), according to Covers.com.

What's At Stake?

Thursday night marks the final night of NFL preseason games, and the last chance for a roster hopefuls on both sides to showcase their skills and make their case for why they belong on either team's 53-man roster heading into the regular season. 

Most if not all of the stars will be sidelined on Thursday night to avoid injury and to rest up in anticipation of the regular season. There aren't many bragging rights to be won in this matchup. Instead, livelihoods are on the line for a number of players. 

Key Panthers Injuries

*According to CBSSports

LB Jon Beason (Hamstring): Questionable for start of regular season

WR Steve Smith (Foot): Probable for start of regular season

RB Jonathan Stewart (Ankle): Questionable for start of regular season

DL Andre Neblett (Suspension): Eligible to return Week 5 

Key Steelers Injuries

*According to CBSSports

OG David DeCastro (Knee): Out indefinitely

DL Brett Keisel (Ankle): Questionable for Thursday

RB Isaac Redman (Hip): Probable for start of regular season

DL Casey Hampton (Knee): Questionable for start of regular season

RB Rashard Mendenhall (Knee): Questionable for start of regular season

TE Heath Miller (Ankle): Probable for start of regular season

QB Ben Roethlisberger (Ankle): Probable for start of regular season

Fantasy Prospect to Watch

Pittsburgh's explosive playmaker Chris Rainey has the potential to become a big-time threat in the running game as well as the passing game this fall. Rainey was a speedster at the University of Florida, where he excelled with the ball in his hands. 

The fifth-round pick in 2012 could have his number called plenty this season based on the incredible amount of injuries that have struck Pittsburgh's backfield this preseason. If Rainey is available late in the draft, or floating around as a free agent, owners would be wise to make a move on him.

What They're Saying

A huge key for the Panthers moving forward into the regular season will be the play of their wide receivers. Quarterback Cam Newton threw for more than 4,000 yards last season, but will require consistent options down field to have repeated success in 2012.

Here is wide receiver Brandon LaFell on the benefits of preseason, specifically playing the New York Jets on Sunday night per The News & Observer's Joseph Person:

"

“That was a real good test before the season because in our (division) we’re going to have a lot of good DBs also,” said LaFell, who had two receptions for 28 yards. “But that was one of the best tandems in the league. And there’s no better way to get prepared to go into the season than to face these guys up here.”

"

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered devastating news this preseason when it was announced that rookie offensive guard David DeCastro had damaged his MCL against the Buffalo Bills last Saturday night.

Fortunately for the Steelers, DeCastro's ACL is not an issue and his rehab should have him back on the field sometime later this season. Here is Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey on the injury per The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette:

"

"It's sad, man, to see that happen," center Maurkice Pouncey said of DeCastro's injury, which occurred in the first quarter of Saturday night's game in Buffalo. "But it's a good thing it ain't season-ending. He'll be able to fight back toward the end of the year. He doesn't look down about it. He's accepted what happened and ready to move forward with it."

"

Panthers Player to Watch

Carolina Panthers' wide receiver Kealoha Pilares can do a lot of things on the football field, including running the ball the and returning kicks. On Sunday night against the New York Jets, the second-year player returned three kicks for a total of 60 yards, made two catches for 15 more and even carried the ball once.

With very little playmakers suiting up for the Panthers in Pittsburgh Thursday night, Carolina fans should be on the look out for Pilares, a versatile player who could find himself in charge of multiple tasks this week.

Steelers Player to Watch

With the Steelers decimated at running back this preseason, Jonathan Dwyer may have no choice but to take a few snaps in the Pittsburgh backfield on Thursday night. Rashard Mendenhall is still out recovering from ACL surgery. John Clay suffered a torn thigh this preseason, and Isaac Redman is out with a bum ankle.

The Steelers have claimed running back DuJuan Harris off of waivers, according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette, but that doesn't mean Harris will take every snap at running back. Dwyer could wind up being Pittsburgh's starting back this season, so fans should take a look at him if possible on Thursday night. 

Key Matchup

The key matchup to watch for in Thursday night's showdown will be the Carolina rushing attack versus Pittsburgh's ground defense. The Steelers ranked eighth in the NFL last season shutting down the run, while the Panthers finished with the third-best running game in football.

Pittsburgh held Buffalo to just 96 rushing yards in its preseason matchup last weekend, but should have even more success against the Panthers, who won't have Cam Newton, DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart in the lineup. 

Prediction 

In a game with few (if any) starters suiting up, I have to go with the home team. Pittsburgh will have the benefit of driving to the stadium and thousands of cheering fans in support. The Steelers should win this one and take a "W" into the regular season this September.

Steelers 23, Panthers 16

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter all season long for more NFL reaction and analysis.