Panthers CB Dane Jackson bonded with fellow injured defenders during stint on sideline

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Dane Jackson won’t offer up any spoilers on his status for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The veteran cornerback, who has been on injured reserve since the season started, could make his Carolina Panthers debut this weekend. But for now, he’s just doing what he’s told, and not sharing those directions with anyone outside of Bank of America Stadium.

“I’m just following the plan that they’ve got for me,” Jackson said with a big smile on Thursday after practice.

Jackson signed a two-year deal with the team in free agency in March. He was projected to be the favorite at the No. 2 cornerback spot opposite Jaycee Horn, but he suffered a notable hamstring injury in training camp in August.

And he has been sidelined ever since.

“It’s been a process, for sure,” Jackson said. “Never had a (hamstring injury) to this extent, so it’s definitely been a process. But I’ve been working with the strength staff, with the training room staff — doing my own thing on the side, too — just trying to get to it and get back as healthy as I can.”

Jackson built a bond with teammates in trainers room

During Jackson’s stint on the sideline, he bonded with fellow veterans D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno, who have been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since July.

The trio worked in the trainers room together as they went through their respective rehab assignments. The bond between Wonnum and Jackson, in particular, helped the pair get back on the right track to returning to the field.

“We’ve definitely (grown) closer since we’ve both been hurt, we’ve both been out,” Jackson said. “We both like to play around a lot. Getting each other through the day — sometimes, you come in here hurt, and you’ve got to find it yourself. Just getting each other through the days and bonding with each other and growing together as teammates for sure.”

Jackson, who played four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, is eager to play. He signed with Carolina largely due to his relationship and background with GM Dan Morgan .

The GM bet on Jackson , who wants to make the most of his opportunity with his new team, whether that’s this week or down the road.

His 21-day window is currently in its second week. If he remains on injured reserve beyond Week 7, he’d be shut down for the season.

But, for now, he’s just focusing on one day at a time. On Thursday, he was listed as a limited participant in practice, along with tight end Ian Thomas (calf) who is also designated to return from IR .

“Whenever my name is called, whenever it’s my time to go out there and ball, I’m just going to be ready,” Jackson said.

While the Panthers are staying mum on Jackson’s status, head coach Dave Canales has been pleased with his progress in practice. On Wednesday, Canales said Jackson could “absolutely” be in line for a return against Atlanta.

The Panthers could benefit from using Jackson this weekend against the Falcons, especially with wide receivers like Drake London and Darnell Mooney coming to town.

“I think with Dane coming back, it’s just going to add another element of even more physicality — his energy is upbeat,” said Jonathan Cooley, the team’s defensive pass game coordinator. “And so I just think it’s just going to make us better. And we’re excited about whenever it is his time to play again.”

Panthers injury updates: Diontae Johnson still limited in practice

The Panthers are still monitoring wide receiver Diontae Johnson’s ankle injury. The top receiving threat on the roster was limited in practice again on Thursday.

Johnson, who leads the team in receiving yards, has taken part in the first two practices of the week. The same can’t be said for pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder), tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion protocol), linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin) and rookie lineman Andrew Raym (concussion protocol). All four were listed as non-participants on Thursday.

Right tackle Taylor Moton (triceps), who was already ruled out for this weekend , was also sidelined. Center Austin Corbett has yet to be placed on injured reserve , so he was singled out as a non-participant as well.

In more positive news, wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) was a full go for a second day in a row.

Here is the entire injury participation report for Thursday:

Did not participate: OLB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder), TE Tommy Tremble (concussion protocol), C Andrew Raym (concussion protocol), C Austin Corbett (biceps), LB Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin), DE A’Shawn Robinson (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (triceps)

Limited: WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), TE Ian Thomas (calf), CB Dane Jackson (hamstring), OT Ikem Ekwonu (elbow)

Full: WR Xavier Legette (shoulder)

Quick hits

▪ The Panthers re-signed running back Mike Boone, defensive end Jayden Peevy and defensive back Russ Yeast to the practice squad Thursday. All three players were released from the 53-man roster earlier in the week. The team came into the day with two open spots on the practice roster, so tight end Stephen Sullivan was released in a corresponding move.

▪ Week 6 will feature a pair of NFC South head-to-head matchups. Along with the Panthers (1-4) hosting the Falcons (3-2) on Sunday, the New Orleans Saints (2-3) will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) this weekend as well.

▪ The Panthers have designed a “Keep Pounding for the Carolinas” shirt that will be available in their team store at Bank of America Stadium this week. The net proceeds for the shirts — priced at $35 — will be donated to the Carolinas Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to help those impacted by the storm in North Carolina and South Carolina.

▪ Follow Observer reporters Mike Kaye ( @mike_e_kaye ) and Alex Zietlow ( @alexzietlow05) , and columnist Scott Fowler ( @scott_fowler ), on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the Panthers’ latest news and highlights.