Panthers get a scare as Jaycee Horn suffers a minor injury on Aug 6, but Bryce Young and rookie Tetairoa McMillan shine in practice vs. the Browns.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Wednesday morning started with a collective gasp across Panther Nation as news broke that Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn was involved in a car accident. But by the afternoon, that anxiety had turned to relief and even optimism, as Horn watched practice from the sidelines with only a minor thumb injury while a new star connection began to electrify the field.
The Panthers’ official social media highlighted a touchdown catch by McMillan, signaling a promising connection between the first-round pick and the third-year quarterback.
The day's biggest news was thankfully not a football story. Horn was in a car accident on his way to the stadium Wednesday morning. While any accident is scary, the outcome was the best-case scenario. The 25-year-old star, fresh off signing a massive $100 million extension, escaped with only a few stitches in his left thumb. Head Coach Dave Canales confirmed Horn is day-to-day and will miss Friday's preseason opener against the Browns, but the team is hopeful he'll be back for the August 16 game. Seeing him on the sideline, in good spirits, was the best sight of the day for Panthers fans.
With the defense missing its leader, the offense provided the day's fireworks. The joint practice with the Cleveland Browns gave us our best look yet at the budding chemistry between Bryce Young and first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan. 'T-Mac' was a consistent standout, making several big plays against the Browns' secondary. The highlight, which the team quickly blasted on social media, was a perfect touchdown pass from Young to McMillan, sending a clear signal that this duo could be the cornerstone of the Panthers' passing attack for years to come.
This connection with McMillan is exactly what Bryce Young needs entering a pivotal third season. After a rocky sophomore year, Young found his footing late, averaging over 210 passing yards with 15 TDs to just 6 INTs from Week 8 onward. He also added a new dimension with his legs, scoring five rushing touchdowns in his final 10 games. Now, with a full season under Dave Canales, the return of all five starting offensive linemen, and a true potential No. 1 receiver in McMillan, the stage is set for a breakout. While fantasy pundits might have him ranked as QB24, Panthers fans are hoping he vastly outperforms that projection.
In what might be a sign of a new culture under Dave Canales, the joint practice with the Browns was intense but professional. These shared sessions often devolve into scuffles and fights, but Wednesday was notable for its lack of drama. Both teams got in quality work without any major altercations, a testament to the discipline Canales is instilling. It was a productive, focused day of football, exactly what you want to see in the preseason.
Wednesday was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the initial shock of Horn's accident to the excitement of the Young-McMillan connection. With Horn safe and the offense showing serious signs of life, the Panthers head toward Friday's preseason game against Cleveland with a sense of relief and anticipation. While we won't see No. 8 on the field, all eyes will be on No. 9 and his new favorite target as they look to build on today's impressive showing.
