CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers still will face a quarterback named Manning in the preseason opener. Only now it's Peyton, not Eli.
The NFL announced a schedule switch Thursday that calls for Carolina to host Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game Aug. 9. Carolina had been slated to face Peyton's younger brother, Eli, and the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
The league said the change was made to accommodate stadium availability and local television partner commitments. The Giants will now visit Detroit on Aug. 7 in their first game.