Carolina Panthers defensive end Wes Horton is trying to make the opening-week roster one-handed.
Horton, fighting for one of the final spots on the 53-man roster, has practiced with a black cast on his right wrist since spraining it during FanFest on Aug. 5.
Having full use of both hands is a big deal for defensive linemen, who use them to grab the jerseys of offensive linemen to gain leverage, tackle ball-carriers and pull down quarterbacks. But Horton, who was suspended four games last season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, said he never considered missing any time.