The Carolina Panthers are going to be down a few more projected starters moving forward.
Head coach Dave Canales spoke to reporters following Thursday’s joint practice with the visiting New York Jets. He was asked about the injury statuses of a few players, including safety Xavier Woods.
“Xavier Woods’ groin was a little bit more serious than we thought,” Canales replied. “So, he’s a couple of weeks. I can’t remember exactly how many. But we were really hoping it was just general soreness, but there is a strain in there. So he’ll be a couple weeks.”
Woods has been one of Carolina’s top performers on defense over the past two seasons. He’s amassed 147 total tackles, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 29 games between 2022 and 2023.
Canales was also asked about cornerback Dane Jackson, who exited Wednesday’s practice with hamstring tightness.
“Dane’s was a significant hamstring,” he stated. “So we’re looking at six weeks-ish on that.”
Jackson, who signed a two-year deal with Carolina this spring, was the early favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn in the secondary. The unit’s depth outside of the former Buffalo Bill includes Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison and Lamar Jackson—all of whom have impressed this summer.
