Panthers start TNF on fire by forcing kickoff fumble vs. Packers

October 30, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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The Carolina Panthers faced a defensive dilemma before facing the Green Bay Packers. But set the tone on special teams during their road trip to Lambeau Field. Jackson Kuwatch and Nick Hampton became responsible for igniting the Panthers’ side early.

Coleman Owen retrieved the opening kickoff from his own eight-yard line. Owen fielded it back to the 27-yard line, but lost control of the football on this Kuwatch hit.

WHAT A START TO TNF 🍿
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The Panthers force the Packers fumble on the opening kickoff and RECOVER! pic.twitter.com/kWBsS08fXK
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 30, 2026

Hampton became the defender on the spot to pounce on the loose football. It marks the first time this season that the Panthers recovered the opening kickoff. Plus also becomes the first fumble recovery by the Panthers’ special teams unit this season.

Carolina and quarterback Bryce Young were handed a very short field to work with. Coach Dave Canales kept things simple in that sequence, trusting the ground attack with three running plays. Young, though, took a costly sack by Devonte Wyatt on third down.

The Panthers settled for the field goal in completing the six-play, eight-yard drive following the fumble recovery to go up 3-0.

Carolina walked into the historic NFL venue with a 3-3 overall record. But are fresh off receiving a rough 43-13 defeat at the hands of the fierce NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Sunday. The loss became the most one-sided defeat this season for Canales and the Panthers.

Carolina struggled to move the ball during its second possession, going three-and-out and sending the punt team out. Then Packers quarterback Jordan Love found tight end Tucker Kraft for a 12-yard red zone touchdown to place GB up 6-3.

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