Weather delays kickoff between Steelers and Panthers in Charlotte

Panthers coach Ron Rivera
Kevin C. Cox Getty Images
Matt Barbato
Matt Barbato

Weather has impacted the preseason for the second straight day.

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins played their final preseason contest in a torrential downpour, the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers in Charlotte has been pushed back to 7:51 p.m. ET due to lightning near Bank of America Stadium.

Both teams were cleared from the field during pregame warmups when lightning arrived in the area. The game was originally slated to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The forecast doesn’t bode well for at least the beginning of the game, as thunderstorms are expected to remain in the area for at least the next couple of hours.

It’s highly unlikely any of the starters on either team participate Thursday night. But, slick conditions could have an impact on the players fighting to make roster spots.