Former Colorado WR Jimmy Horn Jr. waived by Carolina Panthers

Former Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. was waived Tuesday afternoon by the Carolina Panthers.

Horn Jr. was the Panthers’ sixth-round pick in 2025 and was coming off an impressive training camp, beginning the year as the team’s top return man.

However, on Saturday in the Panthers’ season opener against the Chicago Bears, Horn muffed a pass at a critical time when the game was tied 21-21 midway through the second quarter. The Bears received the punt and scored.

Whether the misplay led to his being waived remains to be seen, but it certainly made the decision a lot easier.

Panthers waived wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2026

Bears coach Ben Johnson said after the game that punter Tory Taylor deployed a “banana ball” punt, which makes the ball start toward the sideline before curving back to the middle using side spin. The unusual punt clearly messed with Horn’s ability to catch the ball.

Horn racked up 11 receptions for 108 yards and added eight carries for 69 yards out of the backfield during his season-plus in Carolina. He had 162 receptions for 1,967 yards and 13 total touchdowns during his collegiate career between Colorado and South Florida.

Horn is now eligible to be claimed by other NFL teams, and if he isn’t, he will become a free agent.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Former Colorado WR Jimmy Horn Jr. waived by Carolina Panthers