Panthers CB Keith Taylor Jr. key in absence of Donte Jackson

For the second time in as many years, Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson had his season cut short. We learned on Friday that the injury he sustained in the Week 10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons was a torn Achilles tendon, which has put him out for the remainder of 2022.

While it wasn’t exactly fantastic, Jackson was having a steady and serviceable campaign—posting a respectable 55.0 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus and a team-leading two interceptions. Beyond that play, the fifth-year veteran is just simply part of the heart and soul of the squad.

So, in his absence, multiple players will need to step up to keep the Panthers’ secondary together. CJ Henderson will, presumably, start next to Jaycee Horn with Myles Hartsfield and Tae Hayes likely seeing more work.

But one player who might be the key in patching the group together is second-year corner Keith Taylor Jr.—who has had some excellent moments as the “next man up” in his pro career.

This season, Taylor Jr. has been impressive in coverage, allowing 11 receptions over 106 opportunities. He has also been notably physical in tackling—popping off the screen more than a handful of times to secure a big hit or tackle.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old will have a major opportunity to build upon his solid NFL start—and it will be imperative he does so, as teams will be sure to test him early and often in his first few outing with Jackson on the shelf.