He’s had quiet practices, but a Panthers WR is making ‘a great case’ for roster spot
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette caught the practice-ending touchdown pass on Wednesday afternoon.
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Last season’s offensive rookie of the year, Tetairoa McMillan, seemed to be targeted every other play.
Even Ja’seem Reed — the surprise name that has flashed in this crowded wide receiver room this summer — got a highlight Wednesday, hauling in a crossing route and holding onto it even after getting decked by one of the Panthers’ many hard-hitting defensive backs.
Such a practice hasn’t been out of the ordinary for the Carolina franchise this summer. But it has still prompted a question among the team’s closest observers:
Where is Jimmy Horn Jr.?
The speedy wideout and sixth-round pick a year ago has had a mostly quiet camp. He’s sped by and spun around safety Tre’Von Moehrig (and other defensive backs) in one-on-one drills. He’s run routes that leave you in awe of his agility. He’s hauled in one-armed catches with such nonchalance that you sometimes wonder if he’s playing baseball.
But in 7-on-7 reps, and 11-on-11 scrimmages, backup quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, Haynes King and Kyle Trask just haven’t found ways to work the ball to him.
Such a fact is not lost on head coach Dave Canales.
What’s also not lost is Horn’s ability — something he showcased during the Panthers’ first preseason game Thursday night.
“Really, Jimmy made a great case,” Canales said of his performance Thursday night. “We talked, I think, the week before about just opportunities. The ball wasn’t finding him in practice. But all of a sudden you get in a game, and he’s still fast, he’s still tough, he’s still competitive, and all of a sudden he’s making these plays that we’ve been wanting to see him make. And so he really did a great job representing himself in that game.”
That has allowed Horn to get “a few more reps with the first group and second group in the last couple practices.”
In the Hall of Fame Game, on that Thursday night, there was good news and bad news for the Sanford, Florida, native.
The good: Horn was targeted a team-high seven times and hauled in four receptions for 44 yards (and should’ve had another handful of yards and even a touchdown if King had put an easy throw on the money).
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The bad? He played in that final drive, a time usually reserved for future practice squad players. Panthers wide receivers Reed, John Metchie, David Moore and Brycen Tremayne all played ahead of him Thursday — and McMillan, Legette and Jalen Coker didn’t play at all.
Ask Horn about such a reality, though, and the former Colorado Buffaloes star doesn’t seem too weighed down about it.
Do you feel like you’re getting a deserved share of practice opportunities? Said Horn: “I’m getting a fair (shake) with the opportunities that I get. I’m thankful for the ones I get. And I just gotta make plays every opportunity I get. That’s really all it boils down to.”
How do you feel about your role on special teams — getting a fair shot there? “It’s really about punt return and kick return, trying to get back there, somehow, some way.”
Horn’s rookie season was one of the most curious seasons in the locker room last year. He was a fan favorite turned fan quandary. He made the 53-man roster but on game days was rarely active; he played in 13 contests (didn’t start any of them) and was only targeted 15 times, notching 11 receptions for 108 yards. His two most memorable plays: a fourth-down catch against the Miami Dolphins on fourth down Week 5, and a fourth-down contested drop against the Los Angeles Rams in the team’s playoff game in January.
That confusion has continued this summer. Horn said that he traveled to Los Angeles to work out with Young and several other receivers after OTAs to build chemistry. He’s cemented a professional routine, though he didn’t disclose what it was. He also said that his second year in the same system has helped his comfort level this summer.
Could that confusion be cleared up soon? Maybe against the Buffalo Bills in the team’s second preseason game Saturday?
Horn smiled and answered what he’s looking forward to on Saturday the best he could.
After all, his future with the Panthers is not exclusively up to him — but he’s making a case for himself.
“I take everything serious,” Horn said. “So preseason, regular season, everything. Can’t take nothing for granted.”
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This story was originally published August 12, 2026 at 2:50 PM.
