Panthers CB Mike Jackson teases return: 'We're getting close'

At least one half of the Carolina Panthers ' dynamic cornerback duo may be close to his return. Mike Jackson joined WFNZ's Mac & Bone on Wednesday —and discussed a handful of topics including his recovery, his relationship with the team's younger corners and the firing of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. But Jackson, right off the bat of the interview, was asked how the road back from his groin injury is going. "I feel like I’ll be back probably in the next couple of weeks, so we’re getting close," Jackson stated. "I’m getting that itch. Like, I’m ready to go back to playing football now." Jackson and fellow starting cornerback Jaycee Horn have both been sidelined since going down in the Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns . The Panthers have struggled to fill those voids—fielding the likes of 2026 fourth-round pick Will Lee III, special teams ace Akayleb Evans and practice-squad member Marco Wilson in their places. As far as when Jackson might be back, he ruled out this Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos—but did say a return in the following week is "possible." Week 10 will see the Panthers travel to take on the New Orleans Saints. They'll follow that NFC South showdown up by hosting the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Jackson also spoke about his R.A.C.E. Foundation's "Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Giveaway." The annual drive—which will supply families with free turkeys and food bags—is set to take place on Saturday, from 1:30 p.m. ET to 4:30 p.m. ET, at What's Next Ministry in Charlotte, N.C. For more information on Jackson's foundation and event, click here . Follow  @ThePanthersWire  on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.