Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. facing tough NFL training camp roster test

Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. facing tough NFL training camp roster test originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Working on a tri-level route, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. faced man-on-man coverage and executed a medium-depth route. Fighting through an open-field hold by Miami Dolphins defensive back Rasul Douglas, the rookie secured a fourth-down reception from quarterback Bryce Young, fueling the 17-point comeback bid.

Making his NFL debut at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025, Horn had a pre-play premonition. 

"Seeing the team just keep fighting ... I had a slight (feeling) it might be coming to me," Horn said at his locker after the 27-24 Week 5 victory. "The route concept that I had, I just had to win.

"That's what I went and did."

That's what he did again during the 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals during the Aug. 6 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. 

On a similar sideline pattern, Horn hauled in a 12-yard pass from rookie QB Haynes King on a second-and-10 play with 23 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. With the Panthers trailing the preseason-opening showcase by three points, King sealed the win with a 5-yard touchdown run as time expired.

Amid a tough training-camp roster battle for the WR6/7 role, Horn continues to make plays.

“He’s still fast," coach Dave Canales said. "He’s still tough. He’s still competitive.”

A 2025 sixth-round draft pick, Horn shuffled in and out of the lineup last season, compiling 11 receptions on 15 targets for 108 yards. The former Colorado standout also collected 69 yards on eight rushes. He seeks his first pro touchdown.

In the Hall of Fame Game, Horn collected four catches for a team-high 44 yards. During practices this week at the fields behind Bank of America Stadium, Horn was listed as the No. 2 kick and punt returner. 

"The ball just wasn't finding him in practice," Canales said. "He's making these plays that, you know, we've been wanting to see him make."

Brycen Tremayne, John Metchie III and Ja'seem Reed remain among Horn's top competitors for a spot on the regular-season opening 53-man roster.

Compared to his rookie season, Horn said after Wednesday's practice that he feels more comfortable with his surroundings and his ability to create timely receptions.

"Being in the system again, everything is slowing down for me," Horn said. "Learning the plays better and just taking it one day at a time.

"That's what's been going better." 

The Panthers (1-0) are preparing to open the Buffalo Bills' new $2.2 billion stadium, Highmark Stadium, on Saturday. Healthy starters are expected to play between 10-20 plays, Canales said. 

With WR3 Xavier Legette not expected to play Saturday, Horn could earn additional snaps and on-field chances.

"Keep grinding," Horn said. "You can't take anything for granted. I'm thankful for the opportunities I get."

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