Dave Canales says Jaycee Horn is ahead of schedule as Panthers brace for Baker Mayfield’s return

Jaycee Horn is moving faster than expected in his recovery from a significant quad injury, Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said on Friday. It was the most hopeful update yet on a secondary that lost both starting cornerbacks in Week 3.

Canales had estimated in September that Horn and Mike Jackson would be out for about eight weeks, which pointed to a return some time in November. He did not change that timeline on Friday, but he said the reports he receives on Horn have him trending well and running ahead of the usual milestones for the injury. Horn is “crushing his rehab,” Canales said, and is eager for each next step.

Jackson, who had surgery for a groin injury, has been on the field alongside Horn this week as both start to build up their speed. Canales explained that straight-line running is the easy part. The last hurdle for core-muscle and quad injuries is the sudden, violent change of direction a cornerback needs, and both players must pass that test before the club opens their practice windows. Players on injured reserve must sit out four games before a 21-day practice window can start. Running back Jonathon Brooks, on injured reserve with a core-muscle injury, faces the same final step.

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Freeling looks ready, the line still undecided

Monroe Freeling, the first-year tackle, carries a questionable tag into Sunday after missing last week’s win in Philadelphia with a knee injury he picked up in the pre-bye victory over Detroit. Canales said Freeling had plenty of energy across three days of practice and looked like he could help on Sunday, though he would not commit to a starting combination up front. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton returned to the lineup during Freeling’s absence.

Carolina arrives at 3-2 after a 25-14 win over the Eagles on October 18, the club’s second straight victory either side of the bye.

A familiar quarterback on the other side

Canales had predicted early in the week that Baker Mayfield would play, and Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles confirmed on Friday that the quarterback will most likely start despite a questionable designation. Mayfield practiced all week for the first time since dislocating his thumb in Week 3, and he plans to wear a protective glove that stops the thumb from bending backward.

The Panthers coach, who coached Mayfield in Tampa Bay, said the news was exactly what he expected. He pointed to the toughness he saw from Mayfield and his desire to be on the field with his teammates. Canales compared it to Russell Wilson returning from finger surgery for a game at Green Bay in 2021, when Canales was on Seattle’s staff.

Bowles also said the Buccaneers would consider carrying a third quarterback on Sunday as a precaution.

What comes next

The Panthers host the Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium at 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 25. Follow it in the Game Center. Carolina then travels to Green Bay for a Thursday night game on October 29. More on the club is on the Panthers team page.