Panthers Jaycee Horn has everything to prove in final eight weeks of NFL season

When the Carolina Panthers designated defensive back Jaycee Horn to return from the injury reserve list, it set the stage for the often-injured -- but talented -- cornerback. 

Horn went down in Week 1 of the NFL season against the Atlanta Falcons with a hamstring injury. At the time, Panthers head coach Frank Reich described the injury as "serious," which resulted in his extended absence. 

It also marked the latest injury in a series of injury hangups that have led to Horn missing 25 of a possible 42 games since being drafted in 2021. In his return, he has everything to prove. 

Panthers Jaycee Horn has everything to gain or lose

Horn was the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. However, injuries have meant the Panthers haven't gotten the most out of the cornerback during his time under team control. 

The years on his rookie deal are quickly diminishing. At the end of the 2023 regular season, Horn will have one year left on his deal, with the Panthers at a point where the franchise can choose to pick up his fifth-year option. 

If Horn doesn't stay healthy the rest of the season, it is almost assured the Panthers won't be willing to pick up his option for the fifth year of his rookie-scale contract. The team simply hasn't seen enough of his production to warrant taking the risk. 

But, if Horn stays healthy and is productive in the second half of the season, it can be expected that the Panthers could choose to pick up another year of Horn and plausibly work out a longer-term extension. It all comes down to Horn being healthy, which isn't a guarantee. 

That is the nature of the NFL, however. Eight games can often make or break a career and the prospect of that lucrative second contract in the league.