J.C. Jackson's status for the Chargers' Week 1 matchup versus the Las Vegas Raiders was already dubious after he underwent surgery on his ankle only a couple of weeks ago.
It looks like the tight turnaround is not going to work out for the Pro Bowl cornerback, as NFL Network's Taylor Bisciotti reported Wednesday that Jackson is not expected to play on Sunday. Jackson did not participate in practice, per the team's official injury report.
Jackson had not played a preseason snap before the surprising news that he had undergone surgery on his ankle on Aug. 23. The Chargers had not disclosed an injury before that point, and head coach Brandon Staley later said that the procedure was not done to address a specific injury, just to address some discomfort. Staley said at the time that the timetable for return was two to four weeks, and if Jackson healed quickly, the hope was that he could be ready to go for Week 1. But based on Jackson's lack of participation in practice, it appears that optimism will not come to fruition.
The 26-year-old came to Los Angeles this offseason after signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract that drew him away from New England, where he spent his first four seasons. In that time, Jackson was a force to be reckoned with in the secondary, hauling in 25 interceptions, an NFL record over a player's first four years.
Jackson was one of a couple of big moves the Chargers made this offseason to shore up the defense, moves that also included acquiring Khalil Mack and Sebastian Joseph-Day. But while those other players are expected to be available to take on the rival Silver and Black, Jackson will have to wait at least another week before he can join them.
