Overview
- Coach Mike Macdonald said Horton has made “a lot of great strides” in his shin recovery and received medical feedback that could speed his return to on-field work.
- Macdonald did not set a firm timetable but left open the possibility Horton could do limited work late in the spring program or at the June mandatory minicamp.
- Horton’s 2025 rookie season ended early with a shin injury after he produced 13 catches for 161 yards and five receiving touchdowns in eight games and a 95-yard punt-return touchdown.
- The team is taking a cautious, player-by-player approach to rehab and Macdonald also said tight end AJ Barner is likely to return by training camp, running back Zach Charbonnet is progressing, and veteran edge rusher Demarcus Lawrence is following a customized plan.
- Even brief spring or minicamp activity would help Horton reconnect with quarterbacks, improve his chances for rotational snaps and return duties, and pair his straight-line speed with established weapons such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed.