Mike Jackson sounds like a cornerback who’s getting impatient in the best possible way.
The Carolina Panthers defender said Wednesday that his return from a groin injury could be right around the corner, telling WFNZ’s Mac & Bone, “I feel like I’ll be back probably in the next couple of weeks, so we’re getting close,” Jackson stated. “I’m getting that itch. Like, I’m ready to go back to playing football now.”
Jackson has been out since the Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns, the same game that sidelined fellow starter Jaycee Horn. Carolina has had to patch together the position ever since, turning to 2026 fourth-round pick Will Lee III, special teams standout Akayleb Evans and practice-squad corner Marco Wilson.
When asked about a possible timeline, Jackson shut the door on this Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, but left the door open for the week after. A return then is “possible.”
That would line up with the Panthers’ Week 10 trip to face the New Orleans Saints, followed by a Week 11 home game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson’s interview wasn’t limited to his injury update. He also talked about his relationship with Carolina’s younger corners and addressed the firing of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Outside of football, Jackson also discussed his R.A.C.E. Foundation’s “Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Giveaway.”
The annual event will provide families with free turkeys and food bags and is scheduled for Saturday from 1:30 p.m. ET to 4:30 p.m.
ET at What’s Next Ministry in Charlotte, N.C.
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