Panthers elevate Gabe Jackson, J.D. DiRenzo for Week 16
The Carolina Panthers are running it back this weekend with a pair of hog mollies.
As first reported by Darin Gantt of Panthers.com on Saturday afternoon, the team has elevated offensive linemen Gabe Jackson and J.D. DiRenzo for tomorrow’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Both players were brought up from the practice squad for last week’s eventual win over the Atlanta Falcons.
That victory saw Jackson take over duties at right guard from starter Nash Jensen. The 10th-year veteran impressed a number of folks over his 33 snaps, including interim head coach Chris Tabor.
“He came in there, we ripped off a couple good runs there, right away when he came in,” Tabor said on Monday. “He’s a strong player, been around the block, has a lot of experience. And it was just something that we felt like we just needed to do at that time. Thought that he did some really nice things.
“And as I always say, it’s any player, he’s gonna want some plays back. And we’ll work hard this week to get those things rectified and build off the things that he did well. But really pleased with his performance . . . for a guy that just got here.”
Jackson earned an overall mark of 72.2 from Pro Football Focus, the third-highest on the Carolina offense in Week 15. He also graded out at a team-best 78.7 in run blocking.
While Tabor has not specified who will be starting at right guard on Sunday, Jackson seems likely to get the nod.
