Former Gamecock Jaycee Horn avoids major injury after car accident on the way to Panthers practice

Former Gamecock and current Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn had an unexpected detour on his way to work this week. It was reported Wednesday that the former South Carolina standout was involved in a minor car accident just outside the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Horn was driving by himself when the accident occurred at the intersection, and while he did sustain a cut to his thumb that required stitches, the team reported that no one involved needed to be taken to the hospital. Horn was checked by Panthers medical staff and remained at the facility the rest of the day.

Head coach Dave Canales told reporters that he was relieved the situation was not more serious. “I’m glad Jaycee’s OK,” Canales said. “They got it cleaned up and stitched. It doesn’t seem like anything else happened, but we’ll evaluate him each day.”

Horn did not participate in the team's joint practice with the Cleveland Browns, instead watching them from the sidelines in street clothes and interacting with his fellow teammates. He has been ruled out for Friday night's preseason game against Cleveland, but Canales is hopeful that Horn will be ready for the second preseason game on August 16th in Houston. “Hopefully we can get him turned around so we can take advantage of an opportunity in Houston for that game, which was kind of the plan all along,” Canales said.

The 2021 first-round pick, who signed a $100 million extension earlier this offseason, reassured fans on social media that he was fine, and the accident was nothing major. NFL insider Adam Schefter also reported that Horn was not believed to have suffered any significant injuries.

For Panthers fans, and Gamecock Nation, it is welcome news that their star cornerback appears to be on track to be back in action soon.