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After three weeks of practicing with the scout team and being deactivated for games, receiver Dwayne Jarrett is about to get another chance to make an impact with the Carolina Panthers.
He's preparing to play in Sunday's game at Tampa Bay because D.J. Hackett is out for at least a week with a sprained knee.
“Sometimes you have to just be patient and when (an opportunity) comes, grab it and go with it,” Jarrett said Wednesday.
A former Southern California All-American, Jarrett had a disappointing rookie season, but has impressed teammates with his work ethic and perseverance this season.
“He grew up a whole lot from Year 1 to Year 2,” said quarterback Jake Delhomme.
“He's kept on working. He hasn't said anything. He hasn't sulked.
“Other guys have seen it. Coaches have seen it. That's why I expect him to do big things when he gets out there.”
Delhomme said he paid particular attention over the past month to how aggressively Jarrett played on the scout team, helping the starting defense prepare for upcoming opponents while knowing he might not be active for the games.
“To watch him run and participate and not sulk was one of the most satisfying things to me,” said Delhomme.
Last week, Jarrett was named scout team player of the week.
He was active for Carolina's first two games, catching two passes for 36 yards in the season opener against San Diego. He played sparingly the next week against Chicago and hasn't been active since Steve Smith returned to the team after a suspension.
Muhsin Muhammad, a 13-year veteran receiver who helps mentor him, said he's been proud of Jarrett's attitude while waiting to play again.
“Normally when you're that young and you're not playing, you have a tendency to slack off in practice,” said Muhammad. “But he's been practicing hard.
“I've been telling him all along to ‘just stay ready because your number is going to be called, and if you're sitting around with your lip poked out, you're not going to be ready when the ball comes to you (because) your lip is going to be in the way.'”
Jarrett, who was 20 when the Panthers drafted him, had moments as a rookie when his discouragement was obvious. Teammate Steve Smith chided him about needing to spend more time studying his playbook.
It was a difficult transition to the NFL after having an outstanding college career.
“I don't think he was ready for what the NFL presented him,” said Panthers cornerback Ken Lucas. “But (this) second year, he came in and conducted himself like a seasoned veteran.
“Dwayne has looked like a totally different player this year. I have commended him all since training camp. I've seen the urgency he has been playing with.”
Jarrett said he's still learning, but feels much better than he did as a rookie.
“Last year it was me just trying to figure things out,” he said.
“I didn't know if I was coming or going, inactive one week, active the next. I just had to be a man about it and just try to figure out what was I doing wrong.”
Jarrett said he's tried to work hard this season regardless of the circumstances.
“I just do what I can do to get better,” he said. “I knew my time was going to come sooner or later.”
Now, it has arrived.
“It's unfortunate it took somebody to get hurt (in order) to be active,” he said, “but I'm going to do my best to represent the receiving crew to the best of my ability.”
