Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales gave us a little hint as to how rookie wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. will be used in his NFL debut.

That debut is expected to come on Sunday, when the Panthers welcome in the Miami Dolphins for their Week 5 matchup. Horn, the team’s sixth-round pick from the 2025 draft, is likely to be active for the contest given the amount of injuries at the receiver position.

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Canales, following Wednesday’s practice, was asked if Horn’s role will be geared more towards special teams after the loss of returner David Moore—who was placed on injured reserve this morning.

“No, this is an offensive emphasis for Jimmy,” replied Canales, who also didn’t rule out return duties for Horn. “This is the reason he’s here. This developmental part of knowing that these opportunities come up. This isn’t the way that we would all love to see this happen with D-Mo getting injured. But opportunities come in a bunch of different ways and here we are. And I’m excited for Jimmy to get out there, I’m excited for what he can bring to us.”

Horn reeled in 162 catches for 1,967 yards and 11 touchdowns over his four-year collegiate career. He averaged 12.1 yards per reception between his time at South Florida (2021 and 2022) and Colorado (2023 and 2024).

Canales was then asked what he thinks Horn has improved on most thus far.

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“Yeah, just ownership of our concepts,” he responded. “When I know Jimmy is confident about what’s happening, you see the speed and ability really show up. And that’s what’s happened in the last two weeks, is he’s continuing to get himself ready because you just never know—and here we are. And he’s done the work, he’s working really hard, it’s all hands on deck, he’s into it, he’s excited about it.”

The Panthers are averaging the fourth-fewest yards per passing attempt (5.4) through four weeks.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales hints at WR Jimmy Horn Jr.’s role for Week 5