The Panthers are placing Thornton (fibula) on injured reserve Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Thornton suffered a season-ending broken fibula during Monday's loss to the 49ers. The undrafted rookie out of Louisville appeared in 12 regular-season games with Carolina, in which span he played 95 snaps on defense and 83 snaps on special teams and recorded 14 tackles (eight solo), three passes defensed and one forced fumble.
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Panthers' Corey Thornton: Rookie season over
Rotowire
Thornton is out for the season after breaking his fibula in Monday's loss to the 49ers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Thornton had risen to a reserve role in the Panthers' secondary after joining the team as an undrafted free agent this spring. His timeline for recovery is unclear, although presumably he'll be ready to return for training camp ahead of the 2026 season.
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Panthers' Corey Thornton: Won't return Monday
Rotowire
Thornton (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's game against the 49ers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Thornton has mostly served on special teams this season, but he started the second half at outside corner after Jaycee Horn (concussion) was ruled out. Thornton suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter, which is severe enough for him to not return to Monday's game. With both Horn and Thornton done for the day, Akayleb Evans is the next man up at outside corner opposite Mike Jackson.
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Panthers' Corey Thornton: Sporting crutches after loss
Rotowire
Thornton (ankle) was spotted in a cast and on crutches after Monday night's 20-9 loss to the 49ers, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
Thornton sustained an ankle injury in the third quarter, and he was unable to return to the field as a result. Considering the fact that he required a cast for the injury, it seems as if he suffered something significant. With Jaycee Horn (concussion) also exiting the game early, Carolina could be thin at cornerback in its Week 13 matchup with the Rams.
