Carolina Panthers can’t rely on Donte Jackson’s health
The whole reason this piece is even being written right now is that Donte Jackson is out for the rest of the year with a groin injury. Unfortunately, as mentioned earlier, complications staying on the field have become the story more often than not for the fourth-year pro.
Jackson played in all 16 games as a rookie but hasn’t been able to stay on the field for every game since. Something that is undoubtedly going to come into the discussion when it’s time for the Carolina Panthers to decide whether or not the corner is deserving of a lengthy and lucrative extension.
Last season, Jackson dealt with an ongoing turf toe injury that affected his play and caused him to miss four games. This preceded another groin injury that had him miss three games in 2019.
Once again, Jackson is hindered by a groin injury that will now cause him to have only played in 12 of 17 games this season. And as the old saying goes, the “best ability is availability” when it’s all said and done.
To give a player so much money with an already long injury list is a huge gamble, one Carolina already made with Christian McCaffrey that hasn’t paid off as yet. The Panthers might have more luck trying to draft another cornerback, signing a veteran, or going with the young guys they already have.