NFL Notebook: Panthers' TNF win proves costly with injuries to McCaffrey and Horn

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)

The third week of the 2021 NFL season kicked off Thursday night, and there’s already plenty to talk about. With some teams starting to emerge as contenders, and fans of others already reaching for panic buttons, let’s take a look at the top stories from around the league!

Panthers Move to 3-0…

If the early-season play is any indication, the Carolina Panthers may be a team on the rise. The Panthers continued their hot start Thursday night with a 24-9 win over the Houston Texans, one where the home team was stonewalled and kept out of the end zone all evening long.

Tommy Tremble got some wheels!!!

📺: NFL Network pic.twitter.com/cq804KH3DB
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 24, 2021

However, the news was far from great for Carolina fans…

…But At What Cost?

…as the Panthers lost star running back Christian McCaffery early in the contest. He exited with a strained hamstring and will undergo additional tests in the coming days.

Additionally, rookie defensive back Jaycee Horn broke his right foot early in the third quarter, and Carolina will likely need to plan for several weeks without the promising rookie.

Here’s what happened to #Panthers CB Jaycee Horn. It's a non-contact injury and he immediately signals for help. A lot of breath holding for the #Panthers right now.pic.twitter.com/VbibSvnkgc
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 24, 2021

Jackson Misses Practice, Expects To Play

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed practice Thursday due to an illness. However, the illness isn’t COVID-19, and a source told ESPN he’ll be fine to suit up for Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions.

There's only one @Lj_era8.

Now on NBC pic.twitter.com/NQMgKIwFm2
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 20, 2021

The Ravens are coming off of a thrilling 36-35 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and have an early-season schedule that, for lack of a better term, looks fairly soft through most of November.

More Offensive Line Woes For The Giants

Finally, we’ll take a look at a situation that seems to be terrible every year. The New York Giants have tried in vain to add offensive line depth the past few seasons. However, left guard Shane Lemieux underwent season-ending surgery earlier this week, and Nick Gates remains hospitalized after breaking his leg last weekend.

Two days after snapping his leg and one day after surgery, Giants OL Nick Gates was back up and walking. Beast! 💪💪

🎥 nick_gates68 on IG pic.twitter.com/g5UPeSLbUO
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 19, 2021

It’s not news any Giants fan wants to hear as the team looks for its first win of the 2021 campaign.

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