Panthers waive player after loss to Bears

The Carolina Panthers lost their season opener on Sunday to the Chicago Bears. It didn’t take long for their front office to shake up the roster, waiving a player, Jimmy Horn Jr., just two days after.

Chicago overwhelmed the home team 59-37 at Bank of America Stadium. Caleb Williams led the way by completing 21-of-29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He added 10 rushing attempts for 65 yards and two more scores. The Bears offense fired from all cylinders, setting a new franchise mark for most points in the first game of the season.

The Panthers selected Horn at No. 208 overall in the sixth round last year. He played four collegiate seasons, spending his first two seasons with the South Florida Bulls. The wide receiver entered the transfer portal before taking his talents to the Colorado Buffaloes.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Chicago Bears: Panthers release Jimmy Horn Jr. following Week 1 defeat

Carolina parted ways with Horn and he is set to clear waivers. The decision came after his muffed a punt in the second quarter with the game tied at 21-all. Chicago took advantage and scored on a field goal on the ensuing play.

Panthers waived wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2026

The fumble may have caused him his job with the Panthers.

“BANANA BALL: Bears P Tory Taylor just caused a Panthers WR to get cut after experiencing what Ben Johnson called a “banana ball” punt ,”Bearszn wrote. “A banana ball is a punt that is aimed toward the sideline, but then curves back to the middle of the field while the ball side spins. This makes it difficult to track and catch for the returner. We saw Jimmy Horn Jr become the first victim of the Banana ball. Maybe Tory Taylor should punt like that more often. .”

Horn appeared in 13 games in his rookie season. However, he saw limited targets, recording just 11 receptions for 108 yards and zero touchdowns. His release gave the team an open spot for veteran linebacker Tyrel Dodson. If no team signs Horn after clearing waivers, Carolina could sign him again to its practice squad.

The Panthers will next face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Meanwhile, the Bears will play the first of their three-game homestand on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.