Donte Jackson was back at practice, but 2 Panthers could miss game at Buccaneers
Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice despite dealing with an ankle injury, while defensive tackle Kawann Short (foot) and guard Dennis Daley (ankle) missed practice.
Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (eye) was limited in practice, while linebacker Shaq Thompson (groin), returner Pharoh Cooper (ribs) and Stephen Weatherly (hamstring) were all full participants.
Daley missed all of practice last week and the season opener with an ankle sprain. Michael Schofield is expected to start in his place once again at left guard.
“I don’t have much hope that Dennis will play,”Panthers coach Matt Rhule said.
The head coach left the door open that Short could be available vs. the Buccaneers on Sunday after suffering the injury during the loss to the Raiders.
“Anytime someone doesn’t practice, I’m concerned. We’ll wait and see how the week plays out and see if we’re able to have him,” Rhule said of Short. “He finished the game on Sunday, and I know he’s working hard to come back. If anyone could come back, I’m sure KK can. I’ll just wait and see how it plays out.”
Pass rush was an issue for the Panthers last week as they finished the game with zero sacks, zero quarterback hits and five pressures. Short manned the interior of the team’s line along with rookie Derrick Brown. Being without the team captain vs. the Buccaneers would be a major loss.
“(The Raiders) completed 22 (passes), I mean, 20 of them were less than 10 yards. We understand that there’s going to be a lot of balls thrown like that, but what we have to do is we have to come up in crucial situations, and get pressure,” Rhule said. “I think the biggest thing that I took away from last week is we have guys who are more than capable, but we have to be a little bit more tenacious, we have to hit pass rush moves and use our hands better.”
Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady was sacked three times by New Orleans last week and averaged 6.6 yards per passing attempt. He also threw two interceptions, including a pick-six.
Jackson was injured in the Panthers’ season-opening loss to the Raiders on Sunday, but was at practice Wednesday wearing a green non-contact jersey. The injury did not appear to be contact related and took place during the Raiders’ opening score of the game — a one-yard touchdown run by running back Josh Jacobs.
Jackson, a third-year cornerback, was helped off the field, but walked on his own with a slight limp. He spent the remainder of the game on the Panthers’ sideline working on his right ankle with trainers, including jogging on the sideline and re-taping the area. Jackson did not return to the game.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas filled in for Jackson throughout the rest of the game. Douglas was acquired on waivers from the Eagles last week and did not first practice with the Panthers until the Wednesday before the game. He filled in well for Jackson, especially considering the little time he had with the team prior to Week 1.
Rookie Troy Pride Jr. started at the other corner spot and had an up-and-down game, including giving up a Derek Carr touchdown pass to wide receiver Nelson Agholor.
The Panthers were already dealing with injuries at the cornerback position, which also lacks depth. The team placed Eli Apple, one of the contenders for a starting cornerback spot, on injured reserve last week with a foot/ankle injury. He had also been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Carolina had been shopping for an “upgrade” at the position, per general manager Marty Hurney. While helped by the Douglas signing, the position was in need of help prior to Jackson’s injury.
This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 3:25 PM.
