Bears Sign QB Before Week 1 Matchup vs Panthers

The Carolina Panthers will be taking on the Chicago Bears to open the new 2026 NFL season, giving the team a good test to start the year.

Both teams made the postseason last year, offering each a measuring stick test early on. For the Panthers, 2026 will be about building on the success from a year ago when they finished 8-9.

Due to a weak NFC South division, Carolina was able to get into the postseason. But this was an invaluable experience for a young Panthers team, giving them more credibility going forward.

Ahead of the game, the Bears have made a roster move, adding a quarterback to their roster. Chicago has signed Miller Moss to the practice squad, while also elevating him for the game against the Panthers.

The Bears will be starting Caleb Williams, but Moss could serve as a backup in case of injury. Chicago's normal backup, Tyson Bagent, has been listed as questionable for the game, and his status remains unknown.

Chicago also has veteran quarterback Case Keenum on the roster. Moss seems more like an emergency third option for the Bears.

Moss went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, signing with the Bears for training camp. The signal-caller played at Louisville last season, throwing for 2,769 yards and 16 touchdowns.

With the Cardinals, Moss led them to a 9-4 record. Moss spent one season with Louisville after transferring from the USC Trojans.

With USC, Moss started nine games in 2024, throwing for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In all likelihood, Moss won't be seeing any game action, barring injury.

Carolina will be scouting against Williams for the game, hoping to slow down a Bears offense that was very explosive last season. The Bears were one of the bigger surprise teams in 2025, and the Panthers will be looking to hand them a loss in Week 1.

If the Panthers defense can do its job on Williams, it could allow Bryce Young a chance to win the game. Young will be counted on to step up more this season, following a year filled with inconsistency.

Carolina will be hoping for better results from Young this time around, as he tries to guide them back to the postseason. Much of the success from the Panthers in 2026 will fall on the arm of Young, putting pressure on the former No. 1 overall draft pick.

Kickoff between the Panthers and Bears is scheduled in the 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET slow of games in Week 1.