Panthers CB Jaycee Horn doubtful to return vs. Falcons after picking up injury

The Carolina Panthers could be without cornerback Jaycee Horn for the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday after he suffered a hamstring injury during the second quarter.

Horn has been listed as doubtful to return, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Horn recorded one assisted tackle before exiting the game. The Falcons defeated the Panthers, 24-10.

Horn has dealt with injuries since entering the NFL in 2021 when the Panthers selected him in the first-round out of South Carolina. He missed part of OTAs and mandatory minicamp after suffering a foot and ankle injury during a private workout. In total, he’s suited up in just 17 games for his career.

After posting 37 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups in 13 games in 2022, Horn’s season with the Panthers ended abruptly due to injury. The injury occurred in Week 15 when Horn took a helmet to his wrist while making a tackle against the Detroit Lions.

Horn appeared in just three games during his rookie season. In Week 3 against the Houston Texans, just a week after securing his first career NFL interception, his season came to an end after breaking his foot.

“It’s been kinda frustrating but at the same time I gotta control what I can control,” Horn told GamecockCentral. “It’s been freak injuries with both bone breaks but I’m excited to get back. We have a new staff and new energy in the building so it’s gonna be fun.”

Jaycee Horn suffers another injury after missing time in previous seasons

Horn had been looking to put his injury history behind him, something he failed to do in Week 1.

“It’s just understanding that you can’t control it,” Horn said in July. “It’s always a lot of talk when a player goes down about him being injury-prone or whatever… I don’t think people understand it. The player doesn’t want to be hurt. He’s more upset than you, with him being hurt.

“It’s just staying focused on the next day, keep striving to be better.”