Chargers' J.C. Jackson remains guarded yet optimistic that he will be ready for the opener

Updated Aug. 1, 2023 5:41 p.m. ET

Associated Press

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — J.C. Jackson knows what it is like to fall short of expectations, especially when recovering from an injury.

That is why the Los Angeles Chargers cornerback is trying to take things in stride as he works his way back from last season's knee injury.

After not starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list, Jackson appears to be ahead in his recovery after he ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee during a Week 7 loss last October to the Seattle Seahawks.

However, Jackson and coach Brandon Staley say much progress still needs to be made if Jackson wants to be in the lineup for the Sept. 10 opener against the Miami Dolphins.

“I don’t want to focus on September. I want to focus on today,” Jackson said.

There are plenty of reasons why Jackson is trying to keep his focus on the present. He was expected to be one of the Chargers’ top free-agency pickups last year after signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract.

Instead, his first season in Los Angeles was a disappointment.

Besides adjusting to a new team and scheme, Jackson had ankle surgery during the preseason and was out four weeks, including two of the first three games.

When Jackson returned, he appeared tentative and out of place. He allowed four touchdowns in five games and was benched during a Week 6 Monday night game against the Denver Broncos after a blown coverage led to a score. Less than a week later, his season was cut short because of the knee injury.

One significant reason for Jackson’s slow transition was that he played zone coverage on more than half of his snaps. During his four seasons in New England, he played man coverage at least 60% of the time.

“I’m way more comfortable and confident than I was last year,” said Jackson about playing zone. “I feel like the first year it was just too much on me. But now everything has slowed down pretty good. I’m still learning every day, but I’m way more relaxed.”

Despite not having an interception last season, Jackson’s 25 interceptions since the start of the 2018 season remain the most in the league. Staley said he has not lost confidence in Jackson and believes this season could see the return of the player who earned the nickname “Mr. INT” while with the Patriots.

“He’s doing the job that he’s done his whole career, in terms of covering the No. 1 receiver. That’s what we brought him here to do. Fundamentally, we’re asking him to do the things that he’s done his whole career. Just it’s with us,” Staley said. “I think people underestimate the transition for players because it’s much more challenging in football to transition to a new team.”

Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley credited Jackson for his work during the offseason to get back on the field for training camp instead of starting on the PUP list.

While Jackson’s snaps continue to be monitored, he has worked in team and individual drills. During Monday’s practice, which was the first time the team was in pads during training camp, he was with the starters on 11-on-11 work and matched up against Joshua Palmer.

A key indicator if Jackson will be ready for the opener will be during the joint workouts against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 17-18. Since Staley rarely plays his starters during the preseason games, how much work Jackson gets those two days will be closely watched.

Jackson admitted that one of the biggest hurdles in returning is not worrying about the knee while on the field.

“I’ve been playing ball, having fun and building my confidence. You can’t be scared or thinking about it out there,” he said.

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