Jaycee

Horn

McMillan was a DNP on Wednesday but was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and Friday. The rookie receiver is officially off the injury report and good to go for Sunday’s pivotal Week 16 matchup against the Bucs. McMillan profiles as a low-end WR2 after failing to top 43 yards for three straight weeks. The Panthers also listed OG Damien Lewis, CB Jaycee Horn, and OT Taylor Moton as good to go for Sunday’s game.

Wharton was added to the injury report on Saturday. Panthers DT Bobby Brown is expected to start in his stead. Wharton has 23 tackles, 17 quarterback pressures and two sacks this season. The defense will have No. 1 CB Jaycee Horn on the field, though. Horn missed Week 13 after suffering a concussion in Week 12. The Panthers were on bye in Week 14.

Horn was injured in Week 12 and missed the Panthers’ Week 13 game against the Rams. The star corner was able to practice throughout this week and has now been cleared in time to take on Tyler Shough and the Saints in a game that could further push the Panthers’ lead in the NFC South. Horn has totaled 25 tackles this season along with a career-high five interceptions and will be a full-go for Sunday.

It seems likely that he’ll clear concussion protocol and play against the Saints in Week 15 after upgrading from a limited session on Wednesday. LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion) also upgraded to a full practice today and figures to be available as well.

This is a step in the right direction for Horn. The Panthers’ No. 1 cornerback has been inactive on game day since suffering a concussion in Week 12. He has a chance to return for his team’s game against the division-rival Saints this week. Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion) was also limited today.

Horn remains in the league’s concussion protocol, but he’s nearly two weeks removed from the brain injury he suffered in Week 12 against the 49ers. Horn has appeared in 12 games for the Panthers this season, totaling a career-high five interceptions while breaking up an additional six passes. The Panthers, who sit at 7-6 and are in the thick of a playoff hunt, will be in search of their eighth win in Week 15 against the Saints, and will get an added boost if Horn can return. In addition to Horn, Canales also said LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion) is trending toward a return.

Half of these players, including Horn, were ruled out on Friday due to various injuries. Renfrow is a healthy scratch, which has been the norm for the veteran receiver who hasn’t seen the field since Week 6. Despite being the home team, the Panthers enter Week 13 as massive underdogs to the 9-2 Rams.

Not that life was going to be hard for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but this would seem to make it even easier. Carolina’s highly-paid corner did not practice at any point this week and will need to clear concussion protocol by next Friday to get on the field for Week 14.

Horn and LB Claudin Cherelus both did not practice due to concussions suffered in Week 12. It will be a tall task to pass protocol to play in Week 13. Also not practicing was LB Christian Rozeboom (hip/hamstring). The Panthers will enter Week 13 against the Rams banged up defensively.

Sideline reporter Lisa Salters relayed that Horn was seen throwing up on the sideline following his second interception, hardly a good sign for his chances of returning to the game against the 49ers. Expect him to be ruled out in short order and enter the league’s five-step concussion protocol.