The Panthers are dealing with another setback along the defensive front, and this one involves a player who was already slotted into a starting role.
Head coach Dave Canales said second-year defensive tackle Cam Jackson is in concussion protocol after taking the hit during Monday’s practice. Jackson, a 24-year-old fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is listed as a starter on Carolina’s unofficial depth chart for the week. As a rookie last season, he played in nine games and finished with nine combined tackles across 85 defensive snaps.
Canales also gave updates on a pair of players who were held out as a precaution during Wednesday’s joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"Xavier, he got rolled up on a little bit," he told reporters after Wednesday's joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars. "Had some soreness, they evaluated him, they were able to look at it, he was fine. As a precaution, we held him out-for the chance to get him back on Friday to play in that first group.
"Jaelan Phillips came off at the end. They checked him out-checked his elbow.
They're gonna just check that out a little bit. But he said he was fine, he said he would finish.
We held him out as a precaution. So we'll evaluate that when we get back."
Carolina is set to play its third preseason game of the summer on Friday against Jacksonville at EverBank Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
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