Despite a stellar preseason, the Panthers waived wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. on Tuesday after a 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Horn, a sixth-round pick in 2025, muffed a punt that led to a Bears field goal. He was waived to make room for former Miami Dolphins starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who was promoted from the practice squad after another team tried to sign him.

Dodson had spent two weeks on the practice roster after being released by Miami. Horn's release leaves Carolina with five wide receivers: Tetairoa Mc Millan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Brycen Tremayne, and John Metchie III. Metchie was the only healthy scratch in Week 1. Coach Dave Canales noted turnovers and penalties cost the team. "Playing smart, that's where we fell short," Canales said.

Horn had seven catches for 75 yards in the preseason and 11 catches for 108 yards as a rookie. The team is now without a primary returner with Trevor Etienne on injured reserve. Dodson, who started 16 games for Miami in 2025, had 129 tackles, five sacks, and an interception. He adds depth to a defense that gave up 552 yards and a franchise-worst 59 points.