Even though the NFL cycle is in the deep off-season, there is still news (specifically from the Panthers organization). Four pieces of information have come out this week. First, Bryce Young was seen taking first-team reps, Second Brian Burns changed his number, Jaycee Horn is expected to miss the rest of OTA’s, and finally, the Panthers claimed two players off of waivers. Here is more information on those four pieces information.
Bryce Takes 1st-Team Reps
On June 8, it was reported that Rookie Quarterback Bryce Young took first-team repetitions during practice. This news seems to be a step in the right direction/ahead of schedule for Young. This meant he was talking reps with guys like Hayden Hurst, Ikem Ekownu, Bradley Bozeman, and DJ Chark. Normally, during OTA’s, Andy Dalton would take first-team reps. Could this mean Young starts within the first three weeks of the upcoming season? Yes.
Spidey Burns Changes Number
It was reported on June 7 that star defensive player Brian Burns would be changing his number from 53 to 0. On March 28, 2023, it was announced that the NFL was again allowing players to choose the number 0.
Since then, five players have changed their number to 0. Parris Campbell of the New York Giants, Roquan Smith from the Baltimore Ravens, D’Andre Swift of the Philadelphia Eagles, Calvin (the Gambler) Ridley from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Braxton Berrios of the Miami Dolphins (that feels weird to say). Burns now joins that list.
Jaycee Horn Out for Minicamp
Sadly it was reported on June 8 that Star Cornerback Jaycee Horn would be out for the rest of OTA. Horn was injured for a part of the 2022 season, especially during the second match-up between the Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (if Horn had been healthy, not only does Carolina win that game, but Steve Wilks would’ve remained the Coach).
Throughout his career, Horn has dealt with injuries. So to see this news early isn’t a good sign. However, it is just OTA’s. If everything heals right for Horn, he should be good to go for the Panthers’ opener vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
Waiver Moves
Carolina has claimed two players off of NFL waivers. Defensive tackle Jalen Dalton (who’s from North Carolina) and running back Tiyon Evans. Dalton was waived by the Falcons on Wednesday. Ironically his NFL debut was in that crazy Panthers vs. Falcons match-up last October. Evans was waived by the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday. Evans is an undrafted rookie out of Louisville. He ran for 525 yards and six touchdowns in eight games last collegiate season. Could either of these guys make the 53-man roster? Yes, both of them have a good shot.
We are in the dead of the off-season when there normally isn’t too much news. It’s nice to see Panthers news because, first, it shows the team is being active (when it comes to roster moves), and it’s nice just to get NFL news.
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