CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are back in black for their first home game of the season. Carolina will don their matte black helmet with the blue Panther outline for the Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

"I know everybody likes that look, including myself," said running back Chuba Hubbard on Thursday. "So it'll be fun."

The matte black is the Panthers' alternate helmet, and the NFL announced this offseason that teams would be allowed to wear alternate and/or throwback uniforms four times a year. Previously, clubs were only allowed three alternates in a season. The extra chance to strap on the black helmet means they take up space in the locker room during the week, as players take them out to practice to get comfortable, but it's worth it for the look.

"I'm a fan of the black helmets," said corner Jaycee Horn, pointing to the locker behind him for proof. "I'm more of a black accessory guy anyway, so anytime you get a chance to wear black sleeves, black gloves, I'm a fan of it, so it's going to look cool."

The full uniform combo will be the black helmet, blue jersey, black pants, and black socks. The last time the Panthers wore this combo, they notched an overtime win against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. Overall, they are 3-2 in the black helmets.

Now, they'll bring the uniform combo home to open the 2025 season in Charlotte.

"Any time we could be in the Bank, obviously it's exciting to be out there in front of the fans and get them a win," said Hubbard.

For the bevy of free agents and rookies added this offseason, Sunday is a chance to not only put on the alternate helmet for the first time, but it's also a chance to play in Bank of America Stadium for the first time—or at least on the home sideline. Running back Rico Dowdle has played in Charlotte the last two seasons as the Dallas Cowboys made what seems to be becoming an annual trip.

It always meant a larger contingent on hand for the Carolina native, but this weekend does mean a little more.

"I'll have a good bit of family here. A lot of people reached out for tickets, but I'm not able to get that many. They're not free," laughed Dowdle. "I get two for free! But I have a good bit of people at the game this week for sure.

"I had like 40 something last year and probably close to the same thing the year before, that I knew; 40 something people that I knew of, not including all other people. But yeah, I'm pretty sure a good bit of family will come out."

The Panthers kick off against the Falcons at 1 pm on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on FOX.