Taylor Moton (clots) to begin camp on NFI list

Ewkonu suffered a torn patellar tendon in the playoffs. He is expected to return “at some point” this year, though that does not rule out a lengthy absence for the veteran tackle. Fellow starting tackle Taylor Moton was placed on the reserve/NFI list because of a blood clot in his lung. He will also miss at least four weeks.

Horn received stitches on his foot after cutting himself running, prompting the move to the NFI list. Now healthy and cleared to practice, Horn moves to an active status and is set to participate in Panthers camp, with today marking the first day of padded practices.

According to The Athletic’s Mike Kaye, the Panthers converted Horn’s 2026 salary earlier in the week, which freed up enough cap space for the Panthers to sign six draft picks and 10 UDFAs on Thursday. Horn signed a four-year extension with the Panthers in 2025 and remains under contract through the 2029 season. Last year he totaled 37 tackles, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions in 16 games and has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of the last two seasons.

The giant Freeling will be blocking for the diminutive Bryce Young in Carolina. The Panthers offensive line in 2025 were graded by PFF as the league’s 17th best pass blocking unit. Freeling (6’7/315) enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted offensive linemen in the class, boasting rare movement skills and length for the position. The Bulldogs tackle brings a prototype frame at roughly 6-7, 315 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms, pairing that length with elite athletic traits highlighted by a freakish 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, including a 4.93s forty, 33.5-inch vertical and 9’7” broad jump. Freeling’s athleticism shows up consistently on tape, showing advanced movement capabilities in space, executing reach blocks, lead assignments and screen duties while displaying the quick feet to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. After a developmental sophomore season, Freeling made a major leap in 2025, posting an 86.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing just two sacks and eight total pressures across 469 pass-blocking snaps. His length, quick redirect ability and fluidity passing off twists make him particularly effective against speed rushers and stunts. However, Freeling can struggle to maintain leverage and hand placement at times, with inconsistent run-blocking landmarks and occasional balance issues when he leans into contact.

McMillan was a DNP on Wednesday but was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and Friday. The rookie receiver is officially off the injury report and good to go for Sunday’s pivotal Week 16 matchup against the Bucs. McMillan profiles as a low-end WR2 after failing to top 43 yards for three straight weeks. The Panthers also listed OG Damien Lewis, CB Jaycee Horn, and OT Taylor Moton as good to go for Sunday’s game.

Wharton was added to the injury report on Saturday. Panthers DT Bobby Brown is expected to start in his stead. Wharton has 23 tackles, 17 quarterback pressures and two sacks this season. The defense will have No. 1 CB Jaycee Horn on the field, though. Horn missed Week 13 after suffering a concussion in Week 12. The Panthers were on bye in Week 14.

Horn was injured in Week 12 and missed the Panthers’ Week 13 game against the Rams. The star corner was able to practice throughout this week and has now been cleared in time to take on Tyler Shough and the Saints in a game that could further push the Panthers’ lead in the NFC South. Horn has totaled 25 tackles this season along with a career-high five interceptions and will be a full-go for Sunday.

It seems likely that he’ll clear concussion protocol and play against the Saints in Week 15 after upgrading from a limited session on Wednesday. LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion) also upgraded to a full practice today and figures to be available as well.

This is a step in the right direction for Horn. The Panthers’ No. 1 cornerback has been inactive on game day since suffering a concussion in Week 12. He has a chance to return for his team’s game against the division-rival Saints this week. Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion) was also limited today.

Horn remains in the league’s concussion protocol, but he’s nearly two weeks removed from the brain injury he suffered in Week 12 against the 49ers. Horn has appeared in 12 games for the Panthers this season, totaling a career-high five interceptions while breaking up an additional six passes. The Panthers, who sit at 7-6 and are in the thick of a playoff hunt, will be in search of their eighth win in Week 15 against the Saints, and will get an added boost if Horn can return. In addition to Horn, Canales also said LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion) is trending toward a return.