The Carolina Panthers will be missing several more planned regular players in the future.
Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters after joint practice with the New York Jets on Thursday. He was asked about the injury status of several players, including safety Xavier Woods.
“Xavier Woods’ groin injury was a little worse than we thought,” Canales replied. “So he’s going to be out for a couple of weeks. I can’t remember exactly how many. But we were really hoping it was just general soreness, but there’s a strain. So he’s going to be out for a couple of weeks.”
Woods has been one of Carolina’s best defensive players over the past two seasons, amassing 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 left practice on Wednesday because of a hamstring strain.
“Dane had a significant hamstring injury,” he explained, “so we’re looking at about six weeks.”
Jackson, who signed a two-year deal with Carolina in the spring, was the early favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn in the secondary. The unit’s depth includes former Buffalo Bill Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison and Lamar Jackson – all of whom have impressed this summer.
