Panthers' young CBs attempt to replace hobbled Jacee Horn, Mike Jackson

4 weeks ago 27

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Mike Jackson returned to the Carolina Panthers' locker room Wednesday, about 24 hours after enduring a "successful surgery." The injured cornerback walked up and down the rows, exchanging a few words and handshakes with teammates.

The Panthers could use any type of emotional lift.

Physically, they are hurting.

Bad.

With 10 players listed on the Week 4 injury report Wednesday, Jackson (groin) and Jaycee Horn (quadriceps) also landed on injured reserve, compounding the franchise's roster concerns.

Panthers coach Dave Canales confirmed neither Horn or Jackson sustained a season-ending injury and one of the NFL's top cornerback duos could reunite in about two months.

"I'll give you a kind of a rough timeline," Canales said after the walkthrough at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium. "It's like eight-ish weeks, give or take.

"Could be sooner, could be longer."

In the meantime, the Panthers (1-2) started on-field preparations for Sunday night's primetime matchup against the visiting Detroit Lions. With several key players sidelined, Canales led a light workout.

"There was a number of guys that weren't able to go," Canales said. "We had a lot of special teamers (who pulled) double duties on Sunday. So a good opportunity to get something back in the tank and then we'll get after it (Thursday)."

Panthers' Chau Smith-Wade ready to step up

Horn and Jackson combined for 27 pass breakups and nine interceptions last season. Without their services, Canales said rookie Will Lee III, Akayleb Evans and Chau Smith-Wade could draw the majority of snaps against the Lions (2-1), who rank eighth in passing yards per game (247.7). The Panthers' passing defense, led by Horn and Jackson, ranks fifth, yielding 172.3 yards per game.

Lee and Evans project to start on the outside and Smith-Wade, a second-year professional who primarily appeared in the slot last season, could be called upon to play both roles. A special teams ace, Evans played significant snaps in the second half of last Sunday's 21-18 loss to the host Cleveland Browns.

Corey Thornton and Robert Rochell remain candidates to be elevated from the practice squad.

Canales retains confidence in the backups.

"The guys that are stepping in, we trust, who've played quality snaps for us," he said. "Willie's coming along and Caleb had a really good (training) camps. When he's had to play, he's done a good job."

MORE: Injury-plagued Panthers suffer big loss with G Damien Lewis sidelined

The Panthers injury report listed safety Nick Scott (ribs), linebacker Devin Lloyd (Calf), tight end Darren Waller (vet rest/toe), wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps), wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee), guard Damien Lewis (elbow), edge Princely Umanmielen (ankle), quarterback Bryce Young (knee), running back Chuba Hubbard (rest), tackle Monroe Freeling (concussion).

Young, who injured his knee on his first sack Sunday, participated in throwing drills and directed the first-team offense Wednesday. Despite getting pressured on 47 percent of his dropbacks this season, the 2023 first overall draft pick leads the league with 939 passing yards.

Canales expects Young to start Sunday night.

"He's getting a lot of treatment, but he was able to get out there," he said. "We had full-speed routes and he was able to do the whole thing. So I'm really confident that he'll be good to go."

However, eleven other players, including seven projected starters, remain on injured reserve.

Entering Sunday night's primetime outing, the Panthers are hurting.

Bad.

"You have no choice but to stay together," Smith-Wade said.