Panthers Waive Jimmy Horn Jr. After Mistake in Week 1

The Carolina Panthers have waived wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. following a significant blunder in their opening game.

Horn was the primary kickoff and punt returner during the Panthers’ 59-37 defeat against the Bears. In the second quarter, he mishandled a punt, which allowed Chicago to kick a field goal, taking a 24-21 lead.

Bears coach Ben Johnson referred to the misplayed punt as a “banana ball.” This term describes how punter Tory Taylor altered his strike and drop angles to impart more spin on the ball.

This technique complicated Horn’s ability to track the punt, which initially veered toward the sideline before curving back toward the center of the field, adding to the challenge.

Following Horn’s release, the Panthers promoted Tyrel Dodson, a former Dolphins linebacker, from their practice squad. Dodson had been let go by Miami just before the cutdown deadline and had spent the last two weeks training with Carolina’s practice team.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales addressed Horn’s mishap as part of the team’s struggles that contributed to their Week 1 loss.

“We came up short in terms of playing smart,” Canales commented on Monday. “It was all about executing our plan and avoiding timely and costly penalties. The turnovers were certainly a problem; we gave away 17 points from turnovers against a very good team. That’s not how you play if you want to succeed.”

Now, the Panthers have to figure out who will handle the bulk of the returning duties, especially with running back Trevor Etienne currently sidelined due to an ankle injury.

John Metchie III, one of five wide receivers on the team’s 53-man roster, does have some experience with punt and kickoff returns, which might help fill the gap.

The Panthers are set to face the Falcons in their Week 2 matchup, marking their first NFC South game of the season.