CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers reacted quickly.
With Jaycee Horn in concussion protocol and Corey Thornton (broken fibula) out for the season, defensive back reinforcements arrived Wednesday. The Panthers signed cornerback Robert Rochell off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad and brought David Long Jr. back into the fold as a member of the practice squad.
Both newcomers, along with linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons, participated in Wednesday’s walkthrough practice at Bank of America Stadium.
The Panthers (6-6), coming off Monday night’s primetime loss, are bracing to host the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Rams (9-2), led by quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing 27 consecutive touchdown passes, have won six in a row.
Not the best time for the Panthers to endure questions with their secondary.
“This is a great offense,” Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said. “Regardless of who we have out there, this is going to be a hard team to defend. I just always look at the opportunity that it creates for other players if Jaycee can’t go, and some of these other things. But at the end of the day, it’s like there’s no excuses.
“We got to go out there with who we have, and we’ll be more than capable and ready.”
New #Panthers CB David Long Jr., a 7-year veteran who signed a practice team deal, worked out with the #NFL team for the first time Wednesday. “ I know I can still play and play at a high level,” he said … pic.twitter.com/119g4wZYV0
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 27, 2025
Carolina Panthers Sign Familiar David Long Jr. To Practice Squad
By adding Long, the move helped create positional depth for the Panthers, who may need roster flexibility. The seven-year veteran spent about a month with the Panthers in 2023. Long also played for Evero in ‘21 when the Rams claimed the Super Bowl championship.
Long played only nine defensive snaps in 13 games last season with the Indianapolis Colts. He viewed the Panthers as an avenue to rejuvenate his career. In 79 regular-season games, Long compiled 96 tackles (82 solo), eight passes defended and one interception.
“I know I can still play and play at a high level,” Long said. “So, given an opportunity, I feel really good about getting back out there and playing.
“I’m familiar with the defense. There’s a lot of crossover with calls and terminology and philosophy.”
Rochell and Long took turns lining up as a special-teams gunner Wednesday.
In other moves, veteran linebacker Krys Barnes, who led the Panthers with 10 tackles Monday, earned a promotion off the practice squad. Linebacker Trevin Wallace (shoulder) returned to practice.
Along with Horn, linebacker Claudin Cherelus remains in concussion protocol. The short work week could hamper the players’ availability.
“The short week does have a significant factor in it,” said Canales. “And again, we just have to go through the right protocol and make sure that they’re clearing each hurdle along the way.”
New #Panthers CB Robert Rochell (33) lined at gunner during wednesday’s practice, his first with the #NFL team … pic.twitter.com/LNHSfDOtvu
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 26, 2025
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