The Carolina Panthers have waived their primary returner and second-year wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr just a couple days after an abysmal performance in their season opener against the Chicago Bears. They have signed linebacker Tyrel Dodson off the practice squad in a corresponded roster move.
This is a two-for-one response to failures from both the special teams unit and the defense from Sunday’s surrender of 59 points. Horn routinely struggled to field punts and kicks and has not provided positive
value in a crowded receiver room to date. Meanwhile, on defense, the Panthers gave up 291 rushing yards on 39 attempts (7.5 yards per attempt) and four rushing touchdowns to the Bears. Clearly they need some additional help.
Enter Tyrel Dodson. He had 129 tackles, ten for loss, and five sacks last season in 16 starts for the Miami Dolphins. The 28-year old linebacker has long been seen as more of a run defender than a true coverage linebacker, but that seems to fit the Panthers weakness right now.
In the return game, look for Chuba Hubbard and Xavier Legette to take the majority of punts and kicks.
