In a cruel twist of fate following last week's thrilling Hall of Fame Game, Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King was shelved due to a hamstring injury. But at least he went out a hero.
King starred in Carolina's preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Canton, Ohio. The 33-30 win was clinched with a 5-yard touchdown run by the rookie as time expired, which turned out to be the play that caused his setback.
Nevertheless, King has been named the NFL's early preseason MVP by Ben Solak over at ESPN. Solak writes:
An undrafted rookie and the Panthers' QB3, Haynes became the hero of the Hall of Fame game with a winning scamper for six late in the 33-30 victory over the Cardinals. King went 21-for-34 for 180 yards and two touchdowns -- no picks! no sacks! -- and tacked on another 39 yards and a score on three carries. His performance was so moving that speculation swirled that the Panthers might use him in a Taysom Hill-esque role this season!
Before that game-winning run, King had already established himself as a rushing threat during his college days. He totaled 2,277 yards and 36 touchdowns on the ground over his three seasons at Georgia Tech, a run that ended with the 2025 ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Even if he doesn't play another snap during the preseason, King should at least have some role carved out for him. If not a Taysom Hill-type presence, then perhaps he could be used as a sneak/run option when the Panthers need something that they can't get from starter Bryce Young.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers rookie named NFL's early preseason MVP