Carolina Panthers CB Dane Jackson carted off field with hamstring injury during practice

Carolina Panthers cornerback Dane Jackson was carted off the field during Wednesday’s practice after sustaining a hamstring injury, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

Head coach Dave Canales said that Jackson is being further evaluated after his hamstring tightened up during 1-on-1s.

Jackson, 27, signed a two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Panthers earlier this offseason. Carolina listed him on the unofficial depth chart as a starting corner alongside Jaycee Horn. The Panthers are thin in their secondary, meaning Jackson’s injury will be something to monitor over the coming days and weeks.

Jackson spent the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills, who selected him in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh. He suited up in 52 games (28 starts) for Buffalo, tallying 152 tackles (129 solo), three interceptions, 28 passes defended and two forced fumbles. He started a career high 14 games for the Bills in 2022 before moving to more of a reserve role this past season.

Dane Jackson entering first season with Carolina Panthers

Jackson had interest from other teams in free agency. He chose to sign with the Panthers due to his affinity for first-year general manager Dan Morgan. Morgan previously served as Buffalo’s director of player personnel in 2020 and was key in the team taking Jackson in the seventh round.

“First of all, he’s been a great influence on my career,” Jackson said earlier this offseason, per The Charlotte Observer. “I would like to thank him for a lot — just for giving me a chance. He was a big advocate for me when he was in Buffalo. Just getting me on the team and trusting me. And the same thing when I got here [in Carolina].

“During the [free agency] process, just talking with my agent. Him and my agent were talking back and forth — and just how much he believed in me. And so, I’ve got to tip my hat off to him and give him a lot of thanks for that.”