The Carolina Panthers will head into Week 18 without their standout cornerback, Jaycee Horn, who has been ruled out due to a hip injury. Horn, the only Panthers player selected for the Pro Bowl this season, did not participate in practice throughout the week and also missed the previous game. Despite his absence, Horn's impressive 2024 season included 68 combined tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 13 pass defenses, and 1 interception, marking a significant milestone in his career.

With Horn sidelined, the Panthers will likely rely on cornerbacks Michael Jackson and Caleb Farley during their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on January 5. The Panthers have also listed four other players as inactive for the game, including linebackers Amare Barno, DJ Johnson, and Josey Jewell, along with cornerback Lonnie Johnson. Notably, Jewell has been a key player for the Panthers, starting 12 games and recording 97 combined tackles this season.

As the Panthers prepare for the crucial game against the Falcons, they face additional injury concerns. Offensive tackle Robert Hunt is questionable due to a knee injury, while fellow offensive tackle Taylor Moton and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson are also uncertain after limited participation in practice. However, running back Miles Sanders has returned to full practice and is also listed as questionable.

The Falcons, needing a win to secure a playoff spot, will face the Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They must win and hope for a loss from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch their first postseason berth since 2017. The game is set to kick off at 1 pm ET, coinciding with the Buccaneers' matchup against the New Orleans Saints.