To say the Carolina Panthers have been bitten by the injury bug is a severe understatement. Even though it’s hard to imagine right now, it could actually be worse. On Wednesday, head coach Dave Canales announced that the injuries to the starting cornerback duo of Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn are not season-ending.
Jackson had surgery on his groin on Tuesday and is expected to miss roughly 6-8 weeks. Canales says the surgery is similar to the one performed on running back Jonathon Brooks who also suffered a groin injury. Horn suffered a quadriceps tear late in Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. He did not require surgery and Canales shares that the Pro Bowl corner has already started the rehab process. He is facing a similar timetable. The team placed both on Injured Reserve early Wednesday.
Jackson and Horn are arguably one of there best backfield duos in the NFL and the absence will be sorely missed. Jackson led the NFL with 19 pass breakups last season while combining with Horn to snag nine interceptions. The team will lean heavily on Chau Smith-Wade, Akayleb Evans, and rookie Will Lee III. It was announced on Wednesday that the team had signed vet Robert Rochell to the practice squad. Corey Thornton, Zion Childress, and rookie DeVonta Smith are also on the practice roster
