Panthers lose DBs Xavier Woods and Dane Jackson for multiple weeks to injuries

The injury bug is spreading through the Carolina Panthers’ defensive secondary. On Wednesday, Panthers head coach Dave Canales provided injury updates on cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Xavier Woods, and neither sounds too promising for the Panther’s early-season plans.

According to the Carolina head coach, Woods will miss at least ‘a couple of weeks’ as he recovers from a groin injury. Jackson is also expected to miss a decent amount of time (six weeks) as he is dealing with a significant hamstring injury. Both Jackson and Woods are expected to play significant roles in the Carolina secondary this season. Unfortunately, with this new injury news, the Panthers will likely be implementing the next-man-up mentality in hopes that D’Shawn Jamison at the corner and Nick Scott at safety can step up until their two starters return.

On Carolina’s early preseason depth chart, Woods is listed as their starting strong safety. The former sixth-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft joined the Panthers in 2022 following four years with the Dallas Cowboys, the team that drafted him, and one year with the Minnesota Vikings. In his two years with the Panthers, the three-time all-Conference USA safety from Louisiana Tech has played and started in 29 games, recording 147 tackles, 92 solos, four tackles for loss, forced three fumbles, and two interceptions.

Jackson is listed as the Panthers starting right corner. The former Buffalo Bill joined Carolina this offseason on a two-year deal worth $8.5 million. During his time with the Bills, the former Pittsburgh Panther defensive back played in 52 games, earning 28 starts while recording 152 tackles, 129 solo, three interceptions, two tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

Jackson had to be carted off the field during Wednesday’s practice after sustaining a hamstring injury, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

More on Jackson

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 vital in the team taking Jackson in the seventh round.

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.