Panthers work, expect to sign Josh Norman with Jaycee Horn

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Carolina Panthers he brought an old but familiar face to the starting corner Jaycee Horn He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday for a broken wrist. Availability for Sunday’s NFC South matchups Tampa Bay Buccaneers it is doubtful.

Josh NormanA key to the team’s 2015 Super Bowl run with interim coach Steve Wilks in charge of the secondary, he tested out for the team on Monday, hoping to at least sign with the division title against the Buccaneers and play a small role. in the game

Tampa Bay (7-8) has a one-game lead over Carolina (6-9) and can clinch the division by winning their last two games against the Buccaneers. New Orleans Saints (6-9).

Wilks said a decision on whether Horn will return or miss the rest of the season won’t be made until after the surgery.

“I’ve seen certain scenarios where the surgery goes well, and he can walk into the clubhouse and go play,” Wilks said. “We have to wait and see what the doctors and trainers say exactly.”

If Horne can’t play, the Panthers will look to Keith Taylor first over CJ Henderson. Wilks said he didn’t expect Norman to start right away.

Wilks said Norman, 35, was brought in because of his experience, saying he has some of the same DNA that veteran cornerback Peanut Tillman and safety Roman Harper had when they joined the team in their 30s.

“He has experience in this league,” Wilks said. “He brings veteran leadership. And most importantly I feel like he owns the DNA. He played for me. He understands the culture that we’ve tried to create here and the element of play that we’re looking for.

“Hopefully he’ll be fit enough to play for us this week.”

Norman has not played since starting 14 games last season San Francisco 49ers and forced seven career fumbles.

Wilks had his best season in 2015 when he was selected as a first-team All-Pro. The following season, after Carolina waived his exclusive franchise tag, he signed a five-year, $75 million contract. Washington commanders that made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history at the time.

Horn broke his wrist in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 37-23 victory. Detroit Lions. He leads Carolina with three interceptions, and would likely match the Bucs receiver this Sunday Mike Evanswho leads the team in receptions with 51.

Norman (6-foot, 200 pounds) has gotten along well with Evans in the past. But it’s the intangibles the South Carolina native brings to his young secondary that Wilks likes most.

“He’s going to be a great example for some of these young guys,” Wilks said. “You mentioned some we’ve had in the past, Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper, he fits that mold.”