Jimmy Horn Jr. Shines in Panthers Preseason Opener, But Roster Spot Still in Jeopardy
Former Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. made a strong impression in the Carolina Panthers’ preseason opener, a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game. Horn paced the team with four catches on seven targets for 44 yards, including key grabs of 17 and 15 yards from quarterback Haynes King on the Panthers’ final drive of the second quarter, which set up a 33-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald. He also contributed on special teams with a 25-yard kickoff return, showcasing his versatility.
Despite his promising performance, Horn’s roster spot is far from secure. The Panthers have a crowded wide receiver room, and Horn is reportedly in real danger of missing the final cut. As a former Colorado standout, he faces stiff competition for depth chart position, and the team’s decision to waive him could come down to the wire. The preseason serves as a critical audition for players like Horn, who must continue to make plays to stand out.
Horn’s ability to contribute on offense and special teams could be his ticket to sticking around, but he’ll need to build on this performance in the coming weeks. The Panthers’ coaching staff will be evaluating every rep, and Horn’s 44-yard outing is a step in the right direction. However, with roster cuts looming, every practice and preseason game becomes a proving ground.
As the Panthers prepare for the regular season, Horn’s journey is one to watch. While he made the most of his opportunities against the Cardinals, the battle for a roster spot is just beginning. For now, Horn remains a player on the bubble, and his next chance to impress can’t come soon enough.
Shimanta Das 
