2016 NFL preseason schedule: Patriots vs. Panthers highlights Friday’s 5-game slate

The third week of the preseason is here, which means starters will get the most action they've seen yet. Some teams have rested most of their starters for the entirety of the first two preseason games, including the Green Bay Packers. On Friday, all teams in action are expected to play their starters for varying lengths of time.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who dismissed the idea that the third preseason game is a dress rehearsal, is always impossible to predict. On the other sideline, Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers typically likes to see his starters play into the second half in the third preseason game. All that's certain is that this game matters most until the regular season begins.

Teams want to enter the fourth preseason game deciding the fringe battles on the roster, with all starters in place. Avoiding injuries will still be the top priority for everyone involved though, so while you're likely see Aaron Rodgers for the first time this preseason, don't expect him to bust out anything that's actually in Green Bay's playbook.

The day's five-game slate gets started at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Patriots vs. the Panthers and the Buffalo Bills vs. Washington kick off. The 8 p.m. matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the only national game on the day, though the NFL Network will join the Packers vs. 49ers game in progress at 11 p.m.

The Panthers starters will likely play well into the second half, and that's an exciting prospect going into Friday's matchup with the Patriots. The Panthers came so close to winning the Super Bowl this past season, and they'll play a Super Bowl-caliber team in the most meaningful preseason game. Above all else, it will be interesting to see how long Cam Newton is on the field and whether he scrambles much. Two seasons ago in the third preseason game against the Patriots, Newton took a hit from Jamie Collins and missed Week 1 with cracked ribs.

Tyrod Taylor should get his No. 1 target back on Friday night, and there's nothing more exciting than that as far as this game goes. Sammy Watkins, who has been rehabbing a foot injury, is expected to make his debut against Washington. Another focus for the Bills will be the defensive line, as the team looks to shore it up with Marcell Dareus' suspension on the horizon. Washington has battles to settle all over -- on the offensive line, at tight end, at inside linebacker and cornerback.

It's unclear why this is the nationally-broadcast game, though the chance of Josh Gordon making his long-awaited return is at least appealing, especially now that Robert Griffin III is his quarterback. It's hard to be too optimistic when it comes to the Browns, who have been decimated by front office and coaching staff turnover in recent years, but hiring Hue Jackson seems to be an actual positive move by the team. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are still trying to see if Jameis Winston is the real deal, but the big question is if second-round kicker Roberto Aguayo break out of his slump.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints
8 p.m. ET
Away: KDKA-CBS 2; Home: WVUE-FOX 8

Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Drew Brees all in action? Football is truly back. After the Saints sputtered last week, Brees will try to get his offense going, and his connection with tight end Coby Fleener is still the biggest question mark and concern. For Pittsburgh, which got shut out a week ago, it's a chance to see a healthy offense that was rarely together for various reasons last season.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers
10 p.m. ET
National broadcast: NFL Network (joined live in progress at 11 p.m.)
Away: WGBA-NBC 26; Home: KPIX-CBS 5

Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick will finally get their quarterback battle started on Friday. Kaepernick has missed the first two preseason games while rehabbing a shoulder injury, but he's fared well against the Packers in the past and is expected to return to the field on Friday. How long Kaepernick will play and whether he'll get time with the starters is a big question. This will also be the first chance to see Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Packers starters, who were all inactive for the first two preseason games.

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