Panthers rookie CB Jaycee Horn returns to practice in non-contact jersey
from Victor Barbosa at YardBarker.com/www.yardbarker.com
Behind the surprisingly strong play of then-starting quarterback Sam Darnold, the Carolina Panthers started the 2021 NFL season 3-0. On the other side of the ball, the Panthers defense allowed just 30 points over the first three contests. The hot start seems like a distant memory for some Carolina fans, as the team followed up the 3-0 start with four straight losses and six defeats in the last eight tries.
One of the critical forces of head coach Matt Rhule’s strong defense in September was rookie first-round pick Jaycee Horn, but the 21-year-old suffered a broken foot in Week 3 against the Houston Texans and was placed on injured reserve. The youngster took the first step back toward a hopeful return this season on Wednesday.
Horn was selected eighth overall by the Panthers in late May and recorded five tackles, one interception and one pass defended over his first three NFL games. Less than two weeks following Horn’s injury, Carolina traded for former New England Patriots All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, which could set the franchise up with a dominant duo in the secondary for the end of the season.
The Panthers are currently in third place in the NFC South at 5-6 and face the Miami Dolphins in Week 12 at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.