The Carolina Panthers have dealt with some significant injury issues this season, but the cavalry is now returning. And there might be no more important return than veteran cornerback Mike Jackson Sr.
Losing both Jackson and Jaycee Horn in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns was a bitter blow. It immediately took away arguably the league's best cornerback tandem, leaving the Panthers relying on unproven young players or veterans on the proverbial downslope of their careers.
Jackson's groin injury was serious enough for surgery, landing him on injured reserve. He has yet to play a competitive down since, but his 21-day return window is now open heading into a crucial Week 10 road trip to the New Orleans Saints.
Mike Jackson Sr.'s imminent Carolina Panthers return is welcome in more ways than one
Just how much, or if, Jackson can feature this weekend remains to be seen. However, the fact that his return window has opened gives him a fighting chance of featuring.
And this is incredibly well timed for all parties.
The Panthers are desperately looking to pick up positive results. They are on a three-game skid, devoid of confidence, with fans questioning just how far along this project actually is under head coach Dave Canales.
They haven't thrown in the towel. The Panthers are somehow still leading the NFC South, which is a dubious distinction at 3-5. But with some favorable games upcoming, Jackson's return gives Carolina a massive boost in a secondary that went through real complications against the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos.
It's also worth remembering that Jackson is in a contract year. And he'll have the second half of 2026 to prove worthy of another lucrative financial commitment.
One could argue Jackson's stock soared merely by being on the sidelines. Aside from rookie fourth-rounder Will Lee III, the Panthers' depth options have lacked the desired consistency. So if the 2019 fifth-round pick out of Miami can hit the ground running, general manager Dan Morgan should seriously consider paying him.
Mike Jackson Sr. now gets the chance to enhance Carolina Panthers extension claims
That might not be cheap.
According to Spotrac, Jackson is expected to command a three-year, $40.2 million deal, working out at $13.4 million per year. Not exactly chump change, especially for a team in the Panthers' financial state next year, but it's certainly feasible if they make sacrifices elsewhere.
If those in power are still on the fence, Jackson could now have nine games to leave no doubt whatsoever. And even though spending time with his family was nice, he's clearly eager to get back involved and go full throttle to help his team.
"It don't matter that you had surgery, it don't matter you was out six weeks, none of that matters. Because at the end of the day, when you step on the field, you're out there, so you're healthy enough to be out there, so you need to go and play to the best of your ability."
Jackson is a competitive guy. Being out for six weeks was no doubt disappointing, but everything seems to be trending up now.
And if he can pick up where he left off, there might be a big-money deal waiting for him next spring.
Whether that'll be in Carolina or elsewhere is another matter.
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