Which Carolina Pabthers news stories are hitting the headlines as the team enjoys a long weekend before returning for the start of mandatory minicamp?
The Carolina Panthers wrapped up their latest batch of organized team activities on Thursday with an open session in front of the media. Frank Reich and his staff have been keen to keep everyone's feet on the ground after a memorable offseason of recruitment, but there is a noticeable sense of excitement about what this team could potentially accomplish in 2023.
Another day brought another round of news and rumors for fans to mull. Among the stories making a splash recently include Jaycee Horn's defiance, the Panthers adding two surprising names off the waiver wire, Austin Corbett's frustration, and Bryce Young's expected promotion.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers add two off the waiver wire
With the injury news regarding Jaycee Horn sending the fanbase into panic, the Carolina Panthers added two new names from the waiver wire on Thursday. However, this was not to strengthen the secondary or pass-rush - two areas that are in desperate need of reinforcements.
Defensive tackle Jalen Dalton and running back Tiyon Evans were the two names in question, who were waived by the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams respectively. Whether they can make the roster or not remains to be seen, but it's a sign that general manager Scott Fitterer won't hesitate to strike if the right opportunities come along.
And any increase in competition is only going to be a good thing heading into the suffocating humidity of Spartanburg.
Carolina Panthers CB Jaycee Horn's defiance
There are many ways to perceive the latest injury complication to Jaycee Horn. In one way, it's not in-season so doesn't matter all that much, but it does represent another complication to an ever-growing list of complications.
Horn's talent is not in question. It's staying healthy that's the problem, so it'll be interesting to see how the former first-round pick fares when the walking boot comes off and he takes the field at Wofford College.
When probed about the injury after Thursday's practice, head coach Frank Reich didn't appear all that bothered based on his comments via USA Today Sports. Something in keeping with their lack of focus on the cornerback room throughout the spring.
"Not concerned. This offseason, obviously, with CJ [Henderson] not takin’ some reps and Donte [Jackson] not takin’ reps—so our secondary guys got a lot of work. This injury to Jaycee [Horn], thankfully, it’s a non-surgical injury—and so he should be ready for training camp. But I love the work our secondary’s done. Gives us a lot of confidence in our guys."Frank Reich via USA Today Sports
Horn was also in a defiant mood on social media following the news, stating on Twitter that he's dealing with the punches and remaining focused on getting back out there.
Gotta play the cards we dealt.. made 4 it💫
— Jaycee Horn (@jayceehorn_10) June 8, 2023
While we are still early into preparations and there is plenty of time for Horn to get back, it does nothing to detract from the level of concern surrounding the secondary if the No. 8 overall selection in 2021 misses more time when competitive action begins.
Carolina Panthers OL Austin Corbett's frustration
One notable absentee from on-field activities is Austin Corbett. The right guard made a huge impression on the team's fortunes in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL in the Carolina Panthers' season finale against the New Orleans Saints, which needed surgery and is expected to miss some regular-season games next time around.
Corbett's been a bystander on the sidelines while his teammates lay the foundations for what will hopefully be a successful campaign. And the former second-round selection made no secret of his feelings when speaking to Darin Gantt from the team's website.
"I'll be honest with you. I'm kind of bored."Austin Corbett via Panthers.com
The Nevada product is an all-business individual who's probably hurting watching everyone else doing what they love while he goes through mundane physiotherapy and other workout methods to strengthen the surgically-repaired knee. Corbett gave up just two sacks and conceded two penalties from 985 snaps in 2022, so it's a big hole to fill.
One cannot put into words how tough getting back to full fitness can be from an injury such as this. It's taxing on the mind as well as the body, so Corbett is looking forward to changing things up as he edges ever closer to his overall goal.
"I love the weight room, but you've got to change it up. That's all I've been doing for the last really solid two months now. It's just to be able to do something else. And even when I'm in the bubble, during practice, I'm just pushing a sled. That's still giving me something else, right? But still."Austin Corbett via Panthers.com
The Panthers are taking every possible precaution to ensure Corbett is able to get back to his old self. Even if this is the most frustrating stage for the veteran, keeping the bigger picture in mind would be prudent.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young right on track
After an initial bedding-in period, the Carolina Panthers made the expected move and placed Bryce Young atop the quarterback depth chart. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft has made the smoothest transition possible and put on yet another clinic at the team's open OTA session on Thursday before Frank Reich confirmed the news.
This is all part of Young's integration with some huge expectations on his shoulders. Noting has flustered him so far, with the signal-caller carrying himself impeccably on and off the field to get everyone on board.
When asked about Young's surge to officially become the team's No. 1 option under center, Reich stated everything is proceeding on course regarding their initial plans via Nick Shook from Around the NFL. And the Heisman Trophy winner's integration made the decision to stay on track an easy one.
"That was something at the beginning that (general manager) Scott (Fitterer) and I kind of earmarked the time when we thought would be best. Kind of mapping out, talked it through with the staff, you know, at the beginning of the offseason, this was kind of the time that we had marked this week to just kind of move him up. It's just the next step. There's really nothing to say other than, 'Hey, we just wanted to move him up this week.' Felt like it's been the right time."Frank Reich via NFL.com
Young has been a revelation so far. Carolina's preparations are still in their infancy and the pads haven't come on yet, but hopes are high that this could finally be the move that gets the Panthers out of quarterback purgatory at last.