Dane Jackson Injury News & Updates

Jackson (personal) played in Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants and recorded three tackles (three solo) and one pass breakup.

Jackson missed minimal practice time tending to a personal issue earlier in the week. He's expected to be a big part of Buffalo's cornerback picture this season alongside Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Tre'Davious White and rookie Maxwell Hairston.

Jackson (personal) isn't practicing Monday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson presumably won't be sidelined long since there isn't an injury at play, but it remains to be seen if he'll be back with the team in time to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants. The veteran cornerback is a candidate to open the season in a starting role if rookie first-round pick Maxwell Hairston (knee) isn't ready to begin the regular season.

Jackson agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills on Friday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Jackson will return to Buffalo after spending one season in Carolina, where he played in nine games including three starts, following a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve to begin the year. The 28-year-old corner is expected to provide much needed production for Buffalo's secondary, a unit likely to see additional competition through free agency or the draft in the coming weeks, following the departure of Kaiir Elam and with Rasul Douglas currently a unrestricted free agent.

The Panthers released Jackson on Friday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson struggled in his first season with the Panthers, appearing in just nine games and recording 23 total tackles and two passes defended. The veteran cornerback's playing time decreased as the year progressed, as he played more than 50 percent of the team's defensive snaps just one time over his last five appearances, which suggests Carolina is prioritizing youth in the secondary heading into 2025. Jackson, who posted 96 total tackles and 17 passes defended over 30 regular-season games with the Bills from 2022 to 2023, will likely be picked up soon by a team in need of secondary help.

Jackson recorded 23 total tackles and two passes defended over nine games in 2024.

Jackson signed a two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Panthers last offseason after posting 96 total tackles, two forced fumbles and 17 passes defended, including two interceptions, over his final two seasons in Buffalo. The Pittsburgh product missed six of the Panthers' first seven games due to a hamstring injury and failed to find a rhythm in his first season in Carolina, playing a reserve role when healthy. With Michael Jackson set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Jackson could see an increased role on the Panthers' defense in 2025, potentially starting opposite Jaycee Horn.

Jackson (hamstring) was removed from the Panthers' injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints.

Jackson had been dealing with a hamstring issue that held him out of the Panthers' Week 8 loss to the Broncos; however, being removed from Friday's injury report suggests he's completely past the issue. Expect the first-year Panther to serve as one of Carolina's top rotational cornerbacks in Week 9.

Jackson (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Jackson was able to play through a hamstring injury during the Panthers' Week 7 game against the Commanders, but he will not suit up Sunday. Caleb Farley will be the primary backup option at corner behind starters Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson.

Jackson (hamstring) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Broncos.

Jackson upgraded to limited work Friday after logging consecutive DNP's to begin the Panthers' week of practice, suggesting he's trending in the right direction. However, his doubtful designation indicates that his chances of suiting up in Week 8 remain minimal. If Jackson is sidelined as expected, expect Shemar Bartholomew to see increased work in Carolina's secondary.

Jackson (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

Jackson made his season debut in this past Sunday's loss to the Commanders, playing 51 percent of the Panthers' snaps on defense and making four combined tackles. Assuming the Pittsburgh product didn't aggravate the injury during the game, it's likely his DNP was more for maintenance purposes. However, his practice status Thursday or Friday could be worth monitoring ahead of a Week 8 matchup with the Broncos.

Jackson (hamstring) is active for Sunday's matchup with the Commanders, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official website reports.

Jackson has yet to play this season and was just activated off injured reserve. He will now be available to provide depth at cornerback behind Michael Jackson and Jaycee Horn.

The Panthers activated Jackson (hamstring) from injured reserve Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson opened the regular season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury he sustained during training camp. His practice window opened Oct. 2, and while he wasn't able to play Week 5 and 6, his activation from IR on Saturday indicates he could be available for Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Jackson (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Jackson was designated to return from injured reserve on Oct. 2, and Wednesday's full practice suggests he could play in the Panthers' Week 7 matchup against the Commanders. However, the first-year Panther must still be activated to Carolina's active roster in order to suit up Sunday.

Jackson (hamstring) was downgraded to out Saturday ahead of Sunday's contest versus Atlanta, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Jackson is working his way back from a hamstring strain that landed him on IR prior to the start of the season. The cornerback's practice window opened Oct. 2, so the Panthers have until Oct. 23 to either activate him or rule him out for the remainder of the campaign. Jackson entered the weekend with a designation of questionable after logging an FP/LP/LP practice progression during the week, so there's a decent chance he'll be able to play Week 7 versus Washington assuming he hasn't suffered a setback.

Jackson (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Jackson's questionable status is good news, considering he's been serving time on injured reserve the entire season. The 5th year cornerback will need to be activated off IR in order to play against the Falcons, but that will likely be done on Sunday if he's trending in the right direction.

Jackson (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Jackson logged a full practice session for the first time since being designated to return from injured reserve Oct. 2. It appears the first-year Panther is nearing a return to the field, but he must be activated to Carolina's active roster in order to suit up in the team's Week 6 matchup against the Falcons.

Jackson (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, and he gave himself a chance at returning for Week 5 after being a limited participant in all three practices. However, the 2020 seventh-round pick will have to wait until at least Week 6 against the Falcons on Oct. 13 to make his 2024 regular-season debut.

Jackson (hamstring) was limited in practice Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson remains on IR after having been designated to return to practice Wednesday, but it sounds like he has a solid chance to be activated to the 53-man roster Week 5 and suit up for Sunday's game against the Chicago. Panthers head coach Dave Canales said all players listed as questionable are "looking good" to play Sunday, per Joe Person of The Athletic.

Jackson (hamstring) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Jackson was placed on IR before the start of the season and has missed the mandatory four games of action. His designation to return now allows him to practice with the team, but that doesn't guarantee he'll return to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears. More clarity on his potential return will likely have to wait until later in the week.

Jackson (hamstring) will be designated to return from IR this week, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Jackson was placed on IR before the start of the season and has missed the minimum four games of action. His designation to return will allow him to return to practice with the team, but that doesn't guarantee he'll return to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears. More clarity on his potential return will likely have to wait until later in the week.

The Panthers placed Jackson (hamstring) on injured reserve/designated for return on Tuesday.

Teams are allowed to designate two players to return from IR if placed on injured reserve ahead of final cuts, and Jackson is one of them for Carolina. He was injured roughly two weeks ago and was given a recovery timeline of six weeks. Jackson's placement on IR will keep him sidelined for at least the first four games of 2024. Look for Troy Hill to get the first crack at snaps alongside Jaycee Horn at cornerback.

Jackson is expected to miss around six weeks with a hamstring injury, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

This puts Jackson's Week 1 status in serious doubt, and there could even be a chance he opens the season on injured reserve with that type of recovery timeline. Jackson was expected to open 2024 as the Panthers' starting corner opposite Jaycee Horn. It could thrust veteran Troy Hill into every-down duties. Carolina looks pretty inexperienced behind Horn and Hill.

Jackson has agreed to a contract with the Panthers, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Panthers GM Dan Morgan was in Buffalo's front office when the Bills selected Jackson in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Jackson is likely being brought in to fill the starting outside cornerback role vacated by CJ Henderson, who is a free agent. Jackson started only six of the 15 games in which he appeared for Buffalo in 2023, but he made 14 starts for the Bills in 2022.

Jackson (concussion) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Jackson missed the team's Week 12 loss to the Eagles, but after a Week 13 bye, the fourth-year pro appears to have cleared the league's five-step concussion protocols and should suit up Sunday against the Chiefs. His return, along with Taylor Rapp (neck) should be good news for the Buffalo secondary.

Coach Sean McDermott said Friday that Jackson (concussion) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson will miss at least one game as he works to gain full clearance from the NFL's concussion protocol. Given that Jackson has been a key contributor for Buffalo's banged-up secondary, and that Taylor Rapp (neck) is also ruled out for Week 12, this unit could be particularly vulnerable versus Philadelphia's star-studded passing attack.

Jackson (concussion) did not practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Jackson is a key piece to the Bills' secondary, a unit that's struggling with some injuries right now. Tre'Davious White (Achilles) is out for the season, while Taron Johnson (concussion), Cam Lewis (shoulder), Kaiir Elam (ankle), Taylor Rapp (neck), Micah Hyde (neck) and Jackson are all banged up. This week's opponent, the Eagles, offers some viable weapons in the passing attack not to mention they are arguably the league's best team, so the Bills could use some improvement on the health front as the week wears on.

Jackson suffered a concussion during Buffalo's win versus the Jets on Sunday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN reports.

Jackson will enter the league's concussion protocol and will have to clear it before he is able to return to the field. With Taron Johnson also in the concussion protocol, the Bills could find themselves short handed in the secondary for their upcoming matchup with the Eagles.

Jackson (head) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's contest with the Jets, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Jackson suffered a head injury in the second quarter and he's now officially going to be sidelined for the remainder of the game. In his place, Cam Lewis and Christian Benfold will likely see an increase in workload in Buffalo's secondary.

Jackson (foot) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

The 26-year-old corner missed Buffalo's Week 6 win over the Giants with a foot injury, but it seems as if he's had enough time to move past the issue. Jackson is likely in for a bigger role on a Bills defense that's without Tre'Davious White (Achilles) for the remainder of the season.

Jackson (foot) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's walk-through.

After missing Sunday's game versus the Giants due to a foot injury, Jackson opened practice this week with limited participation. He'll probably need to manage a full practice Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Jackson (foot) is inactive for Sunday night's game against the Giants.

Jackson entered the weekend questionable with a foot issue, and he won't suit up versus New York despite logging a limited practice session Friday. He had been slated for a larger role with Tre'Davious White (Achilles) out for the season, as Jackson played every defensive snap for the Bills last week against Jacksonville. Christian Benford will instead start opposite Taron Johnson at cornerback Sunday.

Jackson (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Giants.

Jackson managed limited participation at practice Friday after not practicing Wednesday and Thursday, at least giving himself a shot to suit up for Week 6. Jackson is in line for a substantial role if he's able to play, but if his foot injury keeps him out, 2022 sixth-rounder Christian Benford could see more snaps than he might have otherwise.

Jackson (foot) practiced on a limited basis Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Jackson played 100 percent of the snaps in the Week 5 loss to Jacksonville. With long-time starter Tre'Davious White out for the season with a torn Achilles, Jackson may be Buffalo's second best healthy cover corner after Taron Johnson, though no one could seem to stop Calvin Ridley from having his way in last week's loss. Fortunately for the Bills this week, the Giants lack star power in the passing game and won't even have starting quarterback Daniel Jones (neck).

Jackson, who saw a season-high 44 snaps while registering four tackles in Buffalo's win over Miami on Sunday, is in line for more playing time in the wake of Tre'Davious White's season-ending Achilles injury, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports. "Dane, Christian, Kaiir, we expect those guys to step in and to play to the best of their ability," assistant coach Eric Washington said this week.

Jackson may not be on the field 100 percent of the defensive snaps, as Taron Johnson plays a hybrid role and is out there most of the time in various roles, plus Kaiir Elam, a first-rounder from last season, will also be asked to step up, but Jackson could be in store for some bigger IDP production. If he starts this week in London against the Jaguars, it will be his 23rd start since being drafted by the Bills in the seventh round in 2020.

Jackson is in line to re-sign with the Bills, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The Bills plan to tender restricted free agent Jackson after a productive season in 2022. The deal will likely be an original round tender at $2.7 million, which would make the 26-year-old cornerback a cost effective option in Buffalo's defensive backfield if he can build upon his solid 2022 campaign. Jackson finished the season with 57 tackles (40 solo), two interceptions, 12 passes defensed and one forced fumble.

Jackson will not start Sunday against the Bengals, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Jackson left the team's wild-card win over the Dolphins with a knee injury, but he was able to close out the week with a full practice and shed his injury designation, ultimately being active for the divisional round. However, the 26-year-old will not draw the start Sunday opposite Tre'Davious White, and instead, Kaiir Elam will. Whether or not Jackson suffered a setback or hampered by the injury is unclear.

Jackson (knee) logged a full practice Thursday and will be ready to play Sunday versus the Bengals.

Jackson exited the Bills' wild-card win over the Dolphins early with a knee issue, but it appears like the cornerback only suffered a minor injury and he will start Sunday's playoff game against Cincinnati. Jackson will likely draw a tough assignment of either Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins in the contest.

Jackson (knee) is day-to-day according to head coach Sean McDermott, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.

Jackson was forced out of the team's win over the Dolphins on Sunday with the injury. His status for the AFC divisional round will likely remain in question leading up to the game. If he's ultimately unable to play, Kaiir Elam and Taron Johnson will likely see extra opportunities against the Bengals.

Jackson is questionable to return to Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Dolphins due to a knee injury.

Jackson recorded three tackles (one solo) before exiting the contest with a knee injury. Kaiir Elam has replaced Jackson as the top cornerback opposite Tre'Davious White, but Buffalo is expected to rotate Taron Johnson in as well, per Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News.

Jackson (stinger) returned to Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Jackson was forced out of Sunday's contest versus the Chiefs with a stinger injury but he's since returned to the field. The 25-year-old, along with Taron Johnson and Kaiir Elam, should continue operating as the Bills' top cornerbacks for the remainder of Sunday's contest in Kansas City.

Jackson (stinger) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Jackson collected two tackles before he departed Sunday's contest versus Kansas City with a stinger injury. If he's unable to return, Taron Johnson, Christian Benford and Kaiir Elam are in line to operate as Buffalo's top cornerbacks for the remainder of the afternoon.

Jackson (neck) will play Sunday against the Ravens, Chris Brown reports.

Jackson will return to field for the first time since the neck injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Titans. His return, along with Jordan Poyer's (foot), should be a boon to the Bills' secondary Sunday against the Ravens.

Jackson (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Jackson was limited at practices throughout the week and is listed as questionable, but the plan is for him to play in Week 4, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The defensive back suffered the neck injury in a scary scene during the team's Week 2 win over the Titans, but he avoided a major injury and it appears he'll only miss one contest due to the issue.

Jackson (neck) was a limited participant during practice Wednesday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Jackson avoided a serious neck injury during the team's Week 2 win over the Titans, but he was still held out of Week 3. Wednesday's participation marks his first practice since suffering the injury, but his status for Week 4 still remains unclear. The Bills are still without Tre'Davious White (ankle) -- who began the campaign on the PUP list -- and are expected to be without Christian Benford (hand) for a few weeks, so they've signed Xavier Rhodes to their practice squad and will likely activate him for Week 4.

Jackson (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Miami, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.

Jackson was taken off the field in an ambulance Monday against the Titans, but he underwent further testing and appears to have avoided a major injury. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to the field, but Taron Johnson and Kaiir Elam are candidates to see increased roles against the Dolphins.

Jackson (neck) was a non-participant during Wednesday's walk-through practice, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Jackson was released from the hospital Tuesday after testing determined that he didn't suffer a major neck injury. However, the Bills are expected to take a cautious approach to the 25-year-old's return to the field after he took a scary hit during Monday's win over the Titans.

Jackson (neck) has been released from the hospital Tuesday and testing determined no major injury.

Jackson continues to undergo evaluation, but it appears that he's avoided a serious injury to his neck or spine after having taken off the field during Monday's win over the Titans in an ambulance. The Bills will certainly take a cautious approach to the 25-year-old's return to the field, and coach Sean McDermott should offer more updates on Jackson's health as the week continues.

Jackson (upper body) exited Monday's game via ambulance after taking a hit to the head and neck area near the end of the first half, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus reports.

Jackson suffered a scary hit to the head from a teammate while the two attempted to make a tackle near the end of the first half of Monday's game against the Titans. The 25-year-old was seen moving his extremities while down on the field after sustaining this injury, according to Kyed. While the exact nature of this injury is still unclear, the serious nature of Jackson's departure likely suggests that he will stay out for the remainder of Monday's game.

Jackson (knee) will play Monday against the Titans.

Jackson was unable to practice for most of the past week, but he was able to get in a full practice Saturday. His ability to take the field will benefit the Bills' secondary when they battle the Titans on Monday.

Jackson (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Monday's tilt against the Titans.

Jackson was a non-participant at practice earlier in the week before logging a full workload Saturday. Thus, he does appears to be trending in the right direction. His status is unlikely to be determined until closer to kickoff.

Jackson (knee) didn't participate in Friday's walk-through practice.

After a standout camp, Jackson earned a starting job at corner, at least until Tre'Davious White (knee) returns. He played 64 defensive snaps in the season opener and recorded five tackles, one pass defense and one interception. However, he's been sidelined for back-to-back practices due to a knee injury leading up to Week 2. If Jackson is unable to suit up Sunday against the Titans, rookies Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford could both be thrust into starting roles.

Jackson (knee) did not practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson's injury appears to be a new one, as he was seen wearing a sleeve over his left leg on the sidelines. The third-year pro was a standout in camp and earned a starting job at corner, at least while Tre'Davious White (knee) is out of action. If Jackson is unable to go Sunday against the Titans, it could lead to Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford both getting the start.

Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier indicated this week that he will "mix it up" between rookie cornerbacks Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford when the team takes on the Rams on Thursday Night Football, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports. That would seem to imply Jackson will serve as the starting cornerback opposite the two rookies.

This is a fluid situation, as star corner Tre'Davious White (knee) will eventually return and resume one of the starting spots. As far as Thursday is concerned, the Rams love to push the pedal on offense and it wouldn't be a surprise if Jackson ends up accruing at least a handful of tackles in what's set to be an exciting season-opening game.

Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said Tuesday that he still feels Jackson's experience and talent put him in a starter's role in the short term, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson has been in a battle with first-round rookie Kaiir Elam all summer, though both have technically been working out in the starter's role while stud corner TreDavious White continues his return from his 2021 season-ending knee injury. It's not even a certainly that White, still on the PUP list, is ready for Week 1, but either way it looks like Jackson will see plenty of playing time to begin the season. That said, Elam has been making strides all summer as well, so playing time could be fluid once White is closer to 100 percent.

Jackson is expected to compete for a starting spot opposite Tre'Davious White, Dante Lasting of the Bills' official site reports.

The open spot seems to be up for grabs between Jackson, first-round rookie Kaiir Elam and veteran Siran Neal. Neal may be more valuable in a more all-around role due to his versatility, and if that comes into fruition, then Jackson will be competing with Elam for the starting job. Elam has upside and recent draft capital in his favor, so winning the starting gig may come down to his ability to catch on with the pro game. Jackson has familiarity in Leslie Frazier's defense and spent some time as a starter last season after White went down with a knee injury. Jackson has done well to get this far as a 2020 seventh-rounder, and it will be his solid play and experience pitted against Elam's (and perhaps Neal's) better size and athleticism.

Jackson notched seven tackles (five solo) and one pass breakup during Sunday's 31-14 win over the Panthers.

Jackson was briefly forced out of Week 15's win due to a neck injury, but he managed to retake the field. The cornerback has back-to-back seven-tackle games under his belt, and he's played 100 percent of snaps since Tre'Davious White (knee) went down Week 12, making him a viable fantasy candidate Week 16 in New England.

Jackson (neck) has returned to Sunday's game against Carolina,Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Jackson suffered a stinger early in the first quarter but missed minimal time. He's been a key member of Buffalo's secondary since Tre'Davious White (knee) went down in Week 12, playing 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps.

Jackson (neck) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Carolina after suffering a stinger.

Jackson has been on the field for 100 percent of defensive snaps since Tre'Davious White went down with a torn ACL in Week 12. His absence would further deplete Buffalo's secondary, with Siran Neal a candidate to see increased playing time while Jackson remains sidelined.

Jackson is expected to see increased action in the wake of Tre'Davious White's season-ending knee injury, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports. "I think Dane Jackson is one of those guys who will step up," defensive coordinator Frazier said this week. "He's the next man up and he'll do a good job for us. But to say that he will play at the level of Tre'Davious, that would be, misleading for sure."

Jackson saw a season-high 63 percent of the snaps in the team's Thanksgiving win over New Orleans and his time should be at least at that level going forward, as he's now the third best corner left after starter Levi Wallace and slot corner Taron Johnson. Expect to see Jackson in on at least a few tackles as Bill Belichick and Mac Jones test out the unproven corner in Week 13.

Jackson had three tackles in Thursday's 31-6 win over the Saints.

While three tackles may seem like a ho-hum total, Jackson could be in for a much heavier workload in the coming weeks if Tre'Davious White's knee injury turns out to be serious. You can bet Bill Belichick will be looking the unproven Jackson's way if he sees the field regularly with two games between the Bills and Patriots on the remaining slate.

Jackson (knee) is active for Sunday's game against Washington, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Jackson was limited Wednesday and Thursday, but Friday's full practice set the table for the second-year defensive back to resume his complementary role Sunday against Taylor Heinicke and the WFT. Jackson has five tackles through two games but would probably need an injury to Tre'Davious White or Levi Wallace in order to start seeing the bulk of snaps on defense.

Jackson (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Washington.

Jackson upgraded to full participation in practice Friday after consecutive limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday, but his full participation wasn't enough to take his name off the injury report. While his status likely won't be determined until shortly before kickoff Sunday, Jackson has certainly been trending in the right direction.

Jackson was listed as limited for Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury.

Jackson put up five tackles during Sunday's win over Miami, but that seems about his ceiling for now as he's serving in a depth role. Given that he was able to start the week practicing in some fashion, he seems like a good bet to play in Sunday's meeting with Washington.

Jackson (neck) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Jackson dealt with a neck injury during training camp but is apparently fully healthy heading into Week 1. He's expected to fill a depth role in the secondary for Buffalo to open the season.

Jackson (neck) was back at practice Wednesday sporting a red no-contact jersey, Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News reports.

It seems as if Jackson will be set to go when the Bills take on the Steelers in Week 1, though he probably didn't do enough this summer -- the untimely injury certainly didn't help -- to overtake Levi Wallace for the No. 2 cornerback spot. The Bills remain high on Jackson, however, so the 2020 seventh-rounder should see the field aplenty this season.

Jackson is expected to be the main challenger to Levi Wallace for the second starting cornerback job opposite TreDavious White, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News reports.

Jackson was chosen in the seventh round of the 2020 draft, and while he only saw action in five regular-season games, the Bills like what he brings to the table. GM Brandon Beane has stated that "right now those two guys will compete it out ... we're very content with those two guys and we'll see what happens" in referring to Wallace and Jackson being the clear frontrunners for that No. 2 spot. That said, Wallace has more experience, and while he's not much of a star, he's also never really let the team down over 35 regular-season starts, winning several competitions to maintain the job. Jackson will probably have to outperform him by a clear margin to earn that starting spot, but at least the Bills appear to be giving him a fair shake toward that quest.

Jackson has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game against Miami, the Bills' official site reports.

The seventh-round rookie last suited up Week 10, but all signs point to the Bills using at least part of Sunday's game as a chance to rest up some starters, so Jackson could see some action in the regular-season finale.

Jackson (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Jackson has been forced off the field during just his third appearance of the season. With Levi Wallace (undisclosed) and Josh Norman (illness) both on the reserve/COVID-19 list and absent Sunday, Jackson's absence is a somewhat significant loss for Buffalo's secondary.

Jackson was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The rookie seventh-rounder can now join his new teammates and will try to win a job as a reserve cornerback in his first NFL season. Cornerback E.J. Gaines has already opted out for 2020, while star corner Tre'Davious White is considering it as of Thursday morning. Jackson may end up being more needed than the usual seventh-rounder, though there's little chance he'd ever start this early in his career.

The Bills placed Jackson (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo reports

Jackson is one of three Buffalo cornerbacks on the list, joining Siran Neal and Isiah Brown. Selected in the seventh round of April's draft, Jackson will have a delayed start to camp due to either testing positive for COVID-19 or having close contact with someone who did in the recent past.

Jackson has signed his rookie deal, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

The seventh-rounder from Pitt performs better on the field than his average size and below-average speed would indicate, accruing 43 pass breakups and four picks in his four seasons as a Panther. Jackson is probably not athletic enough to line up outside in the pros, but he may have the instincts and special teams ability to make the team as a depth defensive back.