Panthers release WR Horn, promoted LB Dodson from practice squad after rough Week 1 outing
As a rookie last season, Horn played in 13 games, recording 11 catches for 108 yards and 69 yards on eight carries
Published September 16, 2026
The Carolina Panthers showed a poor performance in Week 1 of the NFL regular season, which resulted in a roster shakeup.
The Panthers released wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. despite the fact that he showed promising results in the preseason.
The announcement came following a dismal loss to the Chicago Bears 59-37 in Week 1 on Sunday, September 13, in the highest scoring season opener in league history.
Horn, who was the sixth-round draft pick of the 2025 NFL draft, was the Panthers’ go-to returner against Chicago and dropped a second-quarter kick that resulted in a field goal for the Bears.
After releasing Horn, the Panthers signed former Miami Dolphins starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from the practice squad to fill the open roster spot.
Dodson spent the past two weeks on the Panthers’ practice roster after the Dolphins released him ahead of the cutdown deadline.
After the Panthers waived Horn, it was left with five receivers on the 53-man roster: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Brycen Tremayne and John Metchie III.
Horn assumed the assignment this offseason as the Panthers tried to get more out of the Colorado graduate.
While appearing in four preseason games, Horn posted seven catches for 75 yards.
Last season, as a rookie, he played 13 games, posting 11 catches for 108 yards and 69 yards on eight carries.
While the inclusion of Dodson, who was in the starting lineup for 16 games with Miami in 2025, scored 129 tackles, five sacks and interceptions for the Dolphins last season.
