Panthers lose both starting cornerbacks as Horn and Jackson go on injured reserve

The Carolina Panthers placed Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on injured reserve on September 30, leaving their defense without both starting cornerbacks.

Horn suffered a quadriceps injury in Sunday’s loss to Cleveland. Jackson left the same game with a groin injury and did not return, according to the team’s announcement.

The moves leave rookie Will Lee III, Akayleb Evans and Chau Smith-Wade as the cornerbacks on Carolina’s 53-man roster. Lee already had a substantial role: through three games, he had played 60 percent of the defensive snaps, with four pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Carolina brought Robert Rochell back to the practice squad for his third stint with the organization. He offers familiarity with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s system after spending the offseason with the Panthers before being released at final cuts.

The two active-roster places went to receiver David Moore and running back Anthony Tyus III. Both were signed from the practice squad after being elevated for last week’s game.

Later on September 30, Dave Canales said neither cornerback’s injury was expected to end his season and described both recoveries as being around eight weeks. Jackson had surgery for his groin injury on September 29; Horn did not need surgery for his quadriceps injury and was set to rehabilitate it in Carolina.

Those are recovery estimates, not scheduled return dates. Will Lee III and Akayleb Evans were expected to start against Detroit, but an expectation during the practice week does not establish the final game-day lineup.

Injured reserve requires them to miss at least four games following placement. If either returns to practice, Carolina has a 21-day evaluation window in which to activate him. The minimum absence and the practice-window deadline are roster rules; neither establishes when an injured player will be ready.