Chargers’ free-agent prize J.C. Jackson undergoes ankle surgery
The mystery surrounding the absence of J.C. Jackson was solved Tuesday when the Chargers announced the cornerback had ankle surgery.
He is expected to return in two to four weeks, putting in doubt his availability to start the season on time.
The Chargers open at SoFi Stadium against Las Vegas in 2½ weeks, on Sept. 11. That game will be a rematch of an emotional 2021 Week 18 showdown won in overtime by the Raiders in January.
The Chargers then play at Kansas City four days later in a Thursday night game, the NFL schedule-makers throwing them immediately into the thick of the AFC West, which is widely regarded as the league’s best division.
Not having Jackson would leave the Chargers’ pass defense shorthanded against quarterbacks Derek Carr and Patrick Mahomes. Carr’s weapons include Davante Adams, a two-time All-Pro acquired by the Raiders via trade.
Coming off an ugly preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys, here’s a look at seven Chargers players whose immediate futures are still being sorted out.
In Jackson’s absence, Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. are the Chargers’ top two outside cornerbacks. Veteran Bryce Callahan, another free-agent signing, is their starting slot corner.
Davis, a starter since midway through the 2018 season, opened training camp playing behind Samuel. He eventually surpassed Samuel, however, moving up to the first team and playing opposite Jackson.
After not being spotted on the field for early pregame work Saturday before the Chargers played Dallas, Jackson then missed practice Monday because of an injury the team did not identify.
Jackson was the Chargers’ top free-agent addition in the offseason, agreeing to a five-year contract worth up to $82.5 million, $40 million of which is guaranteed.
Undrafted coming out of Maryland in 2018, Jackson spent his first four years with New England, earning his first Pro Bowl trip last season. His 25 interceptions since he entered the league lead the NFL.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley still is evaluating whether Trey Pipkins III or Storm Norton should be Justin Herbert’s protector at right tackle.
Jackson’s procedure was performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley at the New York Hospital of Special Surgery, according to the Chargers.
Murray returns
After amassing 17 tackles over the Chargers’ first two games in 2021, Kenneth Murray Jr.’s season unraveled because of a series of ankle injuries that eventually led to him having surgery in April.
On Monday, he returned to practice for the first time since last season.
“It’s been difficult,” Murray said. “It’s been something that I think about a lot. It’s something that I thrive on. I’m looking forward to this year, responding every day.”
Entering his third season, Murray was a first-round pick in 2020 under former head coach Anthony Lynn.
Murray started all 16 games in his first year and set a franchise rookie record with 107 tackles.
He remained a starter into his second season — and first under head coach Brandon Staley — before his ankle issues took over.
He said the adversity from 2021 has made him stronger.
Coming off an ugly preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys, here’s a look at seven Chargers players whose immediate futures are still being sorted out.
“I thrive on going out there and showing that every day,” Murray said. “That’s just how I feel about this season … that this season is just every day responding and showing who the hell I am. Period.”
Asked if he’ll be ready for Week 1, Murray said, “Absolutely.”
“We’re excited to get Kenneth back,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said. “It really adds some more depth at that linebacker position. He’s a competitor. He’s been wanting to get out there.”
Van Noy factor
Murray’s return means the Chargers can begin moving versatile veteran Kyle Van Noy between linebacker and edge rusher, something he has done with success in the NFL.
When the Chargers signed Van Noy via free agency, the belief was he would largely play outside. But with Murray unavailable, he has worked exclusively inside during training camp.
Easton Stick, trying to leapfrog Chase Daniel for the Chargers’ backup QB job, puts in a decent showing during a special teams-fueled loss to the Cowboys.
Van Noy also gives the Chargers options when forming their 53-man roster, allowing them to keep one fewer edge rusher if they opt to go that way.
“He’s a chess piece that really provides a lot of value for your defense,” Staley said. “Then, not only the chess piece aspect, but then just the leadership aspect. Very, very big addition for us.”
Etc.
Trey Pipkins III again took all the first-team snaps at right tackle in practice as he appears to have won the starting job over Storm Norton to open the season. Norton is expected to be the team’s swing tackle entering Week 1. … Linebackers Nick Niemann and Amen Ogbongbemiga both were working with the No. 1 punt coverage team. … The Chargers signed cornerback Michael Jacquet. … They placed tight end Stone Smartt on reserve/nonfootball injury and waived cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, linebacker Damon Lloyd and edge rusher Ty Shelby with injury designations to reach the league-mandated 80-player limit. Teams must reduce their rosters to 53 on Aug. 30.
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