5 players the Carolina Panthers can’t lose to injury in 2020

Carolina Panthers: Player No. 3 – Donte Jackson (CB)

Cornerback remains an area of real concern for the Carolina Panthers in 2020. The franchise did bring in Eli Apple on a short-term deal. But there are still more questions than answers about how this group is going to perform in the face of some prolific pass offenses.

Their plight was not aided by No. 1 corner James Bradberry leaving in free agency for the New York Giants. His $43 million deal was something the Panthers could not afford to match. And others will now have to stand up and be counted when competitive action gets underway.

The primary player with more responsibility is Donte Jackson. He will no have a chance to make the premier cornerback spot his own. And the player looks more than ready for such an opportunity.

Jackson was targeted 60 times in 2019 and only gave up 38 receptions. He is going to need more next time around against the opposition’s No. 1 receiving option. But it remains to be seen whether the player can cope with these particular rigors.

If Jackson were to miss some time, it would be a massive blow for the Panthers. They do have Apple and fourth-round pick Troy Pride Jr. to call upon. But both players are expected to go through their fair share of inconsistencies and would be targeted heavily in the No. 1 role.

It is therefore essential that Jackson not only lives up to his billing. But he must also stay healthy.