The absence of Jaycee Horn was extremely evident in the Carolina Panthers’ loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. And what has followed as a result of that defeat is an even more obvious development.
On Monday, the team placed the 23-year-old cornerback on injured reserve—effectively ending his 2022 season. This was the clear move to make for Horn, as the Panthers are now officially eliminated from playoff contention after their Week 17 matchup with the newly-crowned NFC South champion Buccaneers.
Horn broke his right wrist in Week 16’s win over the Detroit Lions, when he collided with wide receiver Josh Reynolds on a fourth-quarter tackle. He underwent a successful procedure that Tuesday, one that left the door open for a return had Carolina remained alive past this weekend.
This is now the second time in as many years the former eighth overall pick has had his season cut short. Horn missed the final 14 games of his rookie campaign after breaking his foot in Week 3 against the Houston Texans.