One of the NFL's top cornerback duos may have suddenly been erased from the Carolina Panthers defense.
Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns saw both Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson depart due to injuries. Horn is believed to have sustained a "significant" quad tear
and could be lost for the remainder of the 2026 campaign while Jackson, who left in the first quarter of the game, deals with a groin issue.Head coach Dave Canales is saving the details on their setbacks for later in the week, but he did speak to how the team can try to fill the voids.
"Right now—Will Lee, Akayleb Evans stepped in and played some quality snaps for us," Canales stated on Monday. "Chau Smith-Wade is gonna have to hop into the mix. Could be possibly Corey Thornton
up from the practice squad."
Lee, Carolina's fourth-round pick from the 2026 draft, played a career-high 64 defensive snaps in Week 3. Evans also saw his most burn of the early campaign, recording 30 snaps throughout the defeat.
Canales also told reporters that general manager Dan Morgan will be looking outside of the building for some help.
"Again, Dan's looking all around and making sure that we uncover every stone to see who can come in and help us—and preferably, somebody who has some familiarity with our scheme," he added. "But at the same time, we're gonna be open to options to help us."
Expect Canales and the Panthers to provide a clearer outlook on Horn and Jackson on Wednesday.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales talks plans at CB after injuries to Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson
