After spending a year rehabbing his knee, the Pro Bowler begged his head coach to let him back on the field for a preseason game.

The veteran quarterback left the game after one series after he was hit in the right elbow, and did not return to the game. He'll have tests back in Charlotte, but teammates were optimistic.

The first offense and defense each got two series, though there were few highlights during the 20-3 loss at Houston in preseason Week 2.

The Panthers will be without Jaycee Horn and Damien Lewis, along with a handful of other key contributors for the second preseason game in Houston.

The 75-year-old senior assistant has been like a visiting dignitary this week, since he coached the first Texans teams shortly after coaching the first Panthers teams. And yes, he still loves it.

From an ongoing kicking competition, to a rookie safety, to a WR corps that keeps stepping up, here are five things to watch as the Panthers face the Texans in their second preseason game. 

The Panthers and Texans quarterbacks have known each other for a decade, long before they were picked first and second overall. So Thursday, catching up felt "normal" to them.

CJ Stroud had a statement drive against the Panthers, but Pat Jones II and the defense still took hold of most of the day, with multiple sacks and a stout run defense.

He's not a household name, but he's big and physical, and put the Panthers in position for a touchdown in two-minute with a big play down the sideline.

Dave Canales liked the way the Panthers finished the work against the Texans Thursday, though he thought the extreme heat and humidity led to some "sloppy" play in the middle

Fans can watch the game on TV and streaming online in the Panthers regional area.