The Carolina Panthers defense is getting closer to its original form.
As announced by the team on Monday afternoon, cornerback Jaycee Horn has been designated to return from injured reserve. The third-year defensive back has been sidelined since Week 1 due to a hamstring injury.
Horn went down in the first half of the regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. After being placed on IR with what head coach Frank Reich described as a “serious” issue, the 23-year-old underwent a procedure on the injury.
This was the third substantial setback of the former eighth overall pick’s young career, one that was also slowed by a broken foot during his rookie campaign and a broken wrist last season. Horn has missed 25 of a possible 42 games since being drafted in 2021.
Carolina also designated a return for tight end Ian Thomas. The sixth-year pass catcher went on the shelf prior to the team’s Week 6 loss to the Miami Dolphins with a calf injury.
Horn and Thomas now have 21 days to be moved back to the active roster. Both are eligible to play as soon as Sunday, when the Panthers welcome in the Dallas Cowboys for their Week 11 matchup.
