A key member of the Panthers’ secondary is set to make his Carolina debut on Sunday. Dane Jackson was activated from injured reserve Saturday, the team announced.
A hamstring injury meant Jackson would not be healthy in time for the start of the season. Carolina was one of many teams that elected to use the IR-designated return path created this year in his case, avoiding the need to name him to the initial roster while using one of the eight allocated in-season activations. Jackson returned to practice on Oct. 2, so Carolina could have waited until after Week 7 to bring him into the fold.
Instead, this move paves the way for the free agent pickup to suit up on Sunday against the Commanders. Jackson played out his rookie contract with the Bills, making 28 starts among his 52 appearances. His most productive season came in 2022 when he posted a pair of interceptions along with 12 pass deflections and 57 tackles. As Buffalo underwent a number of changes in the secondary this offseason, though, the 27-year-old departed in free agency.
Jackson inked a two-year, $8.5M deal including $5.13M guaranteed to join the Panthers. That pact set him up to handle a first-team role opposite Jaycee Horn, but his debut with the team was delayed due to the injury. Now that he is healthy, Jackson will be tasked with aiding a defense that ranks last in scoring and sits 23rd against the pass. The team moved on from veteran slot man Troy Hill earlier in the week, paving the way for younger options to see playing time on the inside.
That decision, coupled with Jackson’s activation, could spark improved play in the secondary for the 1-5 Panthers. Part of the former seventh-rounder’s 2025 compensation is already locked in, so a poor showing over the coming months would not stand to threaten his roster security. Strong play could, however, make him a key member of at least the team’s short-term plans moving forward.
