All Panthers

Dave Canales has run out of reasons to not play Panthers rookie Jimmy Horn Jr.

Jimmy Horn Jr. needs to be on the field.
Zach Roberts|
Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images
Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images | Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

Today, Xavier Legette is inactive for the Carolina Panthers. His hamstring injury forced him to sit. The silver lining was that the Panthers have an exciting rookie who's been a healthy scratch this year. Unfortunately, he's still a scratch even with the team down a wide receiver.

The other thing Jimmy Horn Jr. can bring to the table is returning. Right now, Trevor Etienne is handling those duties, but he's been nothing special. On Sunday, he nearly cost the Panthers with a muffed punt.

After another defensive stop, Etienne gave them the ball right back. Fortunately, a second field goal miss prevented the fumble from really mattering, but it's still an ugly mistake. One that should tell Dave Canales that he should've played Horn.

It's been rather peculiar that Horn hasn't played whatsoever. The Panthers traded Adam Thielen and lost Jalen Coker to IR. Now, with Legette out, three WRs are out, but he still can't get on the field? It's been one of the coach's most puzzling decisions.

However, based on what we've seen today, it's clear that Horn needs to be on the field. For one thing, the Panthers aren't good enough to sit a player who's a little raw. He needs reps, and since the Panthers are bad, they can afford it.

  - Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Dave Canales is spot-on in his assessment of Panthers QB Bryce Young

Panthers legend Steve Smith walks back ‘weak-ass’ comments on fans

Falcons assistant’s take on Panthers’ offense unintentionally devastating

Cam Newton comments on Xavier Legette’s ‘development disaster’

Published
Zach Roberts
ZACH ROBERTS

Zachary Roberts is a journalist with a wide variety of experience covering basketball, golf, entertainment, video games, music, football, baseball, and hockey. He currently covers Charlotte sports teams and has been featured on Sportskeeda, Yardbarker, MSN, and On SI.

Home/News