Ejiro Evero on Jaycee Horn’s hamstring injury: It’s a tough deal

Being without cornerback Jaycee Horn is not going to be an easy challenge to overcome for the Carolina Panthers—and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero certainly senses it.

Evero spoke with reporters this morning, just a few days ahead of their Monday night matchup with the New Orleans Saints. When asked about his plan sans Horn, who is expected to miss a significant amount of time with a hamstring injury, he seemed confident in what he does have.

“It’s a tough deal, obviously,” Evero replied. “We feel really good about our corner situation right now. We got a lot of guys that got a lot of experience in this league and have played at a high level. And we’ll sort through, like, exactly who’s playing in what roles. But we look forward to it and we feel good about whoever’s out there.”

“Whoever” includes 2020 ninth overall pick CJ Henderson and 10th-year veteran Troy Hill, who Evero confirmed would be the first men up in place of Horn. The two’s performances vastly differed in the season opener this past weekend—as Hill earned Pro Football Focus’ highest overall grade for a Panthers defender in the 24-10 loss while Henderson was marked with the third-lowest.

Either way, they’ll both have to be on their game for the second outing—especially against a Saints offense that produced seven explosive plays to kick off their 2023 campaign.

In addition to Henderson and Hill, the active roster also includes Donte Jackson, Jeremy Chinn, D’Shawn Jamison and Sam Webb—whom was signed off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad on Thursday.