Panthers backup DBs making an impression on Canales  

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Cornerback Lamar Jackson drew praise from Panthers coach Dave Canales his work during training camp as injuries to starters increased his playing opportunities.

The Carolina Panthers appeared ready to roll with Jaycee Horn and Dane Jackson as their top two cornerbacks.

But NFL depth charts are generally short-term solutions.

During Wednesday’s training camp practice session, Jackson departed after competing in one-on-one drills with a hamstring injury.

“Dane’s was a significant hamstring,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said. “So, we’re looking at six weeks-ish on that.”

That could prove a long wait.

But any time is never long enough for backup defensive backs attempting to make a 53-man roster. Injuries allowed Lamar Jackson and D’Shawn Jamison to start Saturday night’s 15-12 preseason loss to the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. Both registered a pass defended and left an impression.  

“That group is making a statement for themselves as we go forward,” Canales said.

Horn continues to flash CB1 potential but has been plagued by injuries that cost him 29 of 51 career games. He did not dress against the Jets. Dane Jackson, who played for Panthers general manager Dan Morgan when the two were with the Buffalo Bills, signed a multi-year deal during the offseason. He started 28 of 52 games with the Bills from 2020-23. His spot will need to be replaced.

Enter Jamison and Lamar Jackson. If the Panthers do not hit the waiver wire over the next two weeks, one of them could be in line to start the regular season.

The Panthers, who close out the preseason Aug. 25 at Buffalo, open the regular season at New Orleans on Sept. 8.

Jackson and Jamison opened the first two series for the Panthers. Neither were targeted before rookie Chau Smith-Wade replaced Jamison on the third possession. Jackson maintained man-to-man coverage on Jets flanker Jason Brownlee during a second-quarter fly route. With quarterback Andrew Peasley denied his primary target, Panthers defensive tackle T.J. Smith registered a sack.

“The DBs are playing really good together,” said Smith, who was also credited with a second quarter tipped pass. “Rush and cover, you know, work together. I got a lot of respect for those guys.”
In the second half, Jamison defended a third-down pass to Brownlee, leading to Austin Siebert’s 52-yard field goal to give the Jets a 9-6 lead. They wouldn’t trail again.

Through training camp and two preseason outings, Jamison continues to stand out among the Panthers' backup defensive backs. He was credited with an interception in Thursday’s joint practice with the Jets.

“Jamison makes a lot of plays,” Smith said. “He gets everyone excited. I like what he does.”

Jackson defended a third-and-goal play at 12:56 of the fourth quarter. The team announced he suffered a leg injury and Canales said he’s “being evaluated. Not a soft tissue, but something in his leg.”
Dicaprio Bootle or Smith also did not have any updates on Jackson.

“We’re all growing,” said Bootle, who recorded two solo tackles Saturday. “We all come in everyday ready to go to work. We do a good job of uplifting everybody, helping everyone out. We all want to go out and do good things. Give each other keys. Tell each other when where wrong, tell each other when we’re right.”

Bootle laughed when asked if he expected the Panthers to sign a free agent cornerback, possibly a veteran like Stephon Gilmore, a Rock Hill, S.C., native. Other notable free-agent cornerbacks include Eli Apple, Xavien Howard, Adoree’ Jackson, J.C. Jackson, Patrick Peterson, Greg Stroman Jr. and Ahkello Witherspoon.

“I don’t know anything about Gilmore,” Bootle said. “Trust me, that’s above my pay grade.”

This story corrects the spelling of Dicaprio Bootle's name.

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