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Panthers waive Jimmy Horn Jr. after costly muffed punt in Week 1 blowout

Following a disastrous start to the 2026 campaign, the Carolina Panthers have released wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. The roster decision came on the heels of a lopsided opening-week loss to the Chicago Bears, in which Horn committed an expensive muffed punt.

The team let the fan-favorite pass catcher go in order to clear active roster space for linebacker Tyrel Dodson to bolster their run defense.

Carolina's defensive unit endured an overwhelming collapse against Chicago, surrendering an eye-popping 59 points in the season-opening rout. The historic blowout prompted immediate changes to the squad as the front office scrambles to address the severe defensive breakdowns witnessed during the Week 1 catastrophe.