Los Angeles Chargers Make J.C. Jackson Inactive Ahead of Game Against Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS — The Los Angeles Chargers surprised fans by making cornerback J.C. Jackson inactive ahead of their game against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite not being listed on the injury report during the week, Jackson will not be playing against Justin Jefferson, who currently leads the NFL in receiving yards.
Jackson, who signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Chargers in May 2022, had an impressive season with the New England Patriots before joining the Chargers. During his time with the Patriots, he earned a Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors, finishing second in the NFL with eight interceptions.
However, since joining the Chargers, Jackson has struggled to replicate his performance from his time in New England. Last season, he allowed a career-worst 149.3 passing rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Reference. Additionally, he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee in Week 7, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.
This season, Jackson has been rotating at outside cornerback with Michael Davis as part of his ramp-up from injury, according to Chargers coach Brandon Staley. Staley believes that the team has “three starting corners” and will continue to rotate Davis, Jackson, and Asante Samuel Jr. until two clear starters emerge.
In limited snaps this season, Jackson has recorded one interception and has allowed a 72.0 passer rating, according to Pro Football Reference. However, the Chargers’ secondary as a whole has struggled, allowing the most passing yards in the NFL.
When asked about the struggling secondary earlier this week, Jackson remained optimistic, stating, “Every team is still finding their identity, seeing who can play, who can ball. It’s Week 3… Real football starts in October, November. It’s still early right now. It’s still preseason right now. Real football has not started yet.”
The decision to make Jackson inactive raises questions about the Chargers’ strategy and their plans for improving their struggling secondary. With Jackson’s absence, the Chargers will need to rely on their other defensive backs to step up and contain the Vikings’ potent passing attack led by Justin Jefferson.
As the Chargers continue to search for their identity and establish their starting corners, it will be crucial for the team to find a solution to their defensive struggles. The Chargers’ success this season may depend on their ability to improve their pass defense and limit opposing teams’ passing yards.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Chargers’ secondary performs without Jackson in the lineup. The team’s rotation of Davis, Jackson, and Samuel Jr. will be closely monitored, as the Chargers look to solidify their starting corners and improve their overall defensive performance.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if Jackson can regain his form from his time with the Patriots and become a key contributor to the Chargers’ defense. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the team adjusts without him on the field.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Chargers’ decision to make J.C. Jackson inactive ahead of their game against the Minnesota Vikings has come as a surprise. With Jackson not listed on the injury report, fans are left wondering about the team’s strategy and how they plan to address their struggling secondary. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Chargers’ defensive backs as they aim to improve their pass defense and limit opposing teams’ passing yards.