Dave Canales Comments on WR's Chance to Make Roster

The Carolina Panthers are preparing for their second preseason game of the year as they head to Buffalo to face off against the Bills on Saturday. 

We saw an early look at the Panthers last Thursday as they rallied to beat the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 in the preseason opener. With the starters not playing in that game, it gave Dave Canales and his staff the chance to evaluate some players who could be on the roster bubble. 

Quarterback Haynes King was the biggest winner of that game before it was revealed he suffered an injury. But another player who had a solid game was wide receiver Jimmy Horn, who caught four of his seven targets for 44 yards to lead the team in the preseason win.  

The 2025 sixth-round pick made the roster last season but was barely active during the season. He enters this year in a similar spot, needing to prove his worth. On Wednesday, he was the topic of conversation as Canales discussed Horn's chances at making the roster. 

"Really, Jimmy made a great case," Canales replied. "I think we talked the week before—just opportunities. The ball just wasn't finding him in practice. But all of a sudden, you get in a game—he's still fast, he's still tough, he's still competitive. And all of a sudden, he's making these plays that we've been wanting to see him make.

"So, he really did a great job representing himself in that game and just getting a few more reps with the first group and second group during practices."

With Carolina losing rookie Chris Brazzell out for the year, it opened up a spot in the battle at wide receiver. But he's still fighting with Brycen Tremayne, John Metchie III, and Ja'seem Reed for that key spot. 

Nothing is guaranteed for Horn even after being a recent draft pick. The start against the Cardinals was good and there is hope he can now build on that for the rest of camp.

Time will tell if Horn will makes the roster and has an impact, but he can make another statement on Saturday when they face off against the Bills.