Jaycee Horn has dealt with multiple injuries already in his brief NFL career, and he has encountered another (albeit minor) setback in that regard. The Panthers corner recently suffered an ankle and foot injury, as detailed by team reporter Darin Grant.
The injury kept Horn out of the team’s final voluntary OTA practices, and will also keep him sidelined during this week’s mandatory minicamp.
However, the former top-10 pick will not require surgery and is expected to recover in full in time for training camp next month. The foot affected by this latest injury is not the same one which was broken in 2021, something which cost Horn most of his rookie campaign.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a strong bounce-back season in 2022, posting three interceptions and seven pass breakups. He surrendered a completion percentage of 55% and allowed only one touchdown as the nearest defender, showcasing his potential as the long-term No. 1 corner he was drafted to be. Horn once again ended the year on IR, however, after he suffered a broken wrist.
The South Carolina product’s most recent injury is one of several absences Carolina has dealt with at the CB spot this year. Veteran Donte Jackson has been sidelined while recovering from Achilles surgery, while former trade acquisition C.J. Henderson has also missed time for personal reasons, per The Athletic’s Joe Person (subscription required).
The Panthers put up below-average performances in a number of categories in 2022, and more will be expected of their secondary this season under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Horn will have a central role in the unit’s performance in 2023, so his health will be of the utmost concern through the remainder of the offseason heading into the fall. His ability to recover in full over the coming weeks will no doubt be closely monitored as the Panthers prepare for training camp.
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