Panthers’ guard Gabe Jackson waits for chance to start

KENNY RICHMOND | CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina Panthers guard Gabe Jackson, who was signed to the practice squad on Nov. 29, earned kudos in limited action against Atlanta and Green Bay and is in position to move into the starting lineup to close the season.

When Panthers rookie guard Nash Jensen struggled in their 9-7 win against Atlanta on Dec. 17, Gabe Jackson stepped in.

Jackson, a 10-year veteran, thrived, earning an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 72.2, the offense’s third-best grade. Jensen graded out at 47.7.

Preparing for a Week 16 clash against Green Bay, interim coach Chris Tabor remained non-committal to promoting Jackson, suggesting seasonal secrets were good.

“It’s Christmas,” he said with a grin.

Jensen got a Christmas Eve present with another start. It was poorly wrapped.

On the game’s second play, Packers linebacker Preston Smith beat Jensen and sacked Panthers quarterback Bryce Young for a 7-yard loss. Jensen, who allowed three pressures on eight pass plays, finished with a 24.3 grade.

With Jackson inserted into the lineup in the second quarter, Carolina scored a season-high 30 points.

At Thursday’s practice, Jackson lined up for snaps in front of Jensen.

Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown was asked if Jackson is being considered for a starting assignment Sunday at the slumping Jacksonville Jaguars, the Panthers’ final road game of the season.

“Definitely,” Brown said. “Everything is on the table. He did a nice job stepping in (for Jensen).”

Jackson adds stability to offensive line

Signed to the Panthers’ practice squad Nov. 29, Jackson, a 2014 third-round draft pick, earned game-day elevations to the active roster the past three weeks, but didn’t play until the second half against the Falcons.  

“He came in there, we ripped off a couple good runs there, right away when he came in,” Tabor said. “He’s a strong player, been around the block, has a lot of experience. And it was just something that we felt like we just needed to do at that time. Thought that he did some really nice things.   

“And as I always say, it’s any player, he’s gonna want some plays back. And we’ll work hard this week to get those things rectified and build off the things that he did well. But really pleased with his performance for a guy that just got here.”

Tabor was right about Jackson, 32, who has 130 NFL starts (134 appearances) and 8,176 career snaps. Jackson, who spent seven seasons with the Raiders and the previous two with Seattle, wanted to call a mulligan on a few plays.

“I had some good plays and some plays I’d like to get back,” Jackson said. “I just have to stack on the good.”  

‘Great teammate, a helluva player’

When Jackson replaced Jensen against Atlanta, he became the eighth Panther to play right guard this season. Seven different players have lined up at left guard, creating instability and inconsistent performances for 2-13 Carolina.

It’s directly impacted Young, who has been sacked 53 times in his 14 starts. When presented with protection against the Packers, Young established career highs in passing yards (312) and QB rating (110.0). His two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to D.J. Chark Jr. helped the Panthers rally by helping the offense “get moving in the running game and also hold up on pass (plays),” Brown said.

When asked why the Panthers’ coaching staff went with Jensen, who signed as an undrafted free agent April 29, over Jackson against Green Bay, Brown said: “Nash had more time on task with our offense.”

With the way the Panthers’ offense looked against the Packers, few should be surprised Jackson moved in front of Jensen.  
Injured guard Justin McCray said Jackson has been a positional muse.

“A great teammate, a helluva player,” McCray said. “Just being able to coach up the younger guys. Even the older guys like myself and [center Bradley Bozeman]. He’s been in a lot of games, so his experience is a great thing to have in the room.”

Does that mean Jackson earned a start against the Jaguars (8-7), who have dropped four straight and needs a win to remain atop the AFC South?

“That I do not know,” McCray said with a smile. “Whoever is in there will give us the best chance at winning.”

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