JUSTIN JACKSON NEWS

Will miss at least three weeks The Chargers placed Jackson (knee) on injured reserve Saturday.

Impact Jackson's knee injury has lingered for a few weeks, and the Chargers opted to shut him down with the hope that he'll return fully healthy after three weeks. In a corresponding move, they signed Kalen Ballage to the active roster to join Joshua Kelley and Troymaine Pope (neck) in the backfield. Jackson is eligible to return Dec. 6 against the Patriots, but by that time, Austin Ekeler (hamstring) could be back, which would diminish any role for Jackson.

NOVEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Week 10 Jackson (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Miami.

Impact Jackson lasted just two snaps before he was removed from a Week 9 loss to the Raiders due to an unspecified knee injury. Unable to practice at all this week, he'll be sidelined officially for the first time since Week 3, allowing Joshua Kelley, Troymaine Pope (neck) and Kalen Ballage to man the Chargers backfield.

NOVEMBER 13, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Sits out another practice Jackson (knee) remained sidelined at practice Thursday.

Impact We'll circle back on Jackson's status Friday, but if he ends up ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, look for some combo of Troymaine Pope, Joshua Kelley and Kalen Ballage to share the Chargers' Week 10 carries.

NOVEMBER 12, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Week 10 Coach Anthony Lynn indicated Wednesday that he's leaning toward resting Jackson (knee) at practice this week, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact Lynn also noted that he'll make a decision later in the week regarding whether Jackson will play Sunday against the Dolphins, but Popper suggests that it "doesn't sound promising" for the 24-year-old. If Jackson is held out this weekend, Kalen Ballage, Joshua Kelley and Troymaine Pope (concussion) will be candidates for added work in the team's backfield.

NOVEMBER 11, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Unable to fight through injury Jackson never managed to return in Sunday's loss against the Raiders after injuring his knee during the first drive of the game.

Impact A previous report indicated Jackson managed to return to the field, but he played just three snaps total before being removed from the contest after injuring his knee during the first drive of the game. It'll be interesting to see what Jackson's practice status will be in the coming weeks as Kalen Ballage filled in admirably to the tune of 84 yards and a touchdown.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Reenters Sunday's contest Jackson (knee) returned to Sunday's game versus the Raiders, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Impact Jackson departed in the first quarter before recording a touch, but now that's he back he'll mix in with Joshua Kelley and Kalen Ballage out of the Chargers' backfield.

NOVEMBER 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Exits Sunday's game Jackson was forced out of Sunday's game against the Raiders with a knee injury.

Impact With Jackson banged up in the first quarter of the contest, the Chargers have turned to Kalen Ballage and Joshua Kelley to handle the team's backfield work.

NOVEMBER 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Regains grip on backfield Jackson carried the ball 17 times for 89 yards in Week 8 against the Broncos. He added three receptions for 53 yards.

Impact Jackson accounted for 17 of the Chargers' 38 total rushing attempts, regaining his role in the backfield after getting only 10 touches in Week 7. He made the most of his opportunities, recording a reception of 34 yards and breaking off runs of 22 and 18 yards. Austin Ekeler (hamstring) is still without a timetable to return, so Jackson could be in for a heavy workload again in Week 9 against the Raiders.

NOVEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Just 10 touches in Week 7 Jackson (knee) rushed five times for 12 yards and caught five of six targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 39-29 win over the Jaguars.

Impact Jackson produced 55 scrimmage yards to Joshua Kelley's 53 despite the latter getting seven more touches. The lack of volume can likely be chalked up to Jackson playing through a knee injury given his superior efficiency, but it's still disappointing that he wasn't more productive given this game's high-scoring nature. If Jackson feels healthier in Week 8 against the Broncos, expect him to carry a larger portion of the backfield workload with Austin Ekeler (hamstring) still unavailable.

OCTOBER 26, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Suiting up Week 7 Jackson (knee) is listed as active Sunday against the Jaguars.

Impact Jackson's practice reps were capped Wednesday and Thursday before he logged a full session to wrap up the week. Despite the activity, the Chargers listed him as questionable. Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported that Jackson was expected to suit up Sunday, and indeed he's upheld his end of the bargain. Jackson will be working in conjunction with rookie fourth-rounder Joshua Kelley versus a Jacksonville defense that has conceded 156.8 yards from scrimmage per game and nine touchdowns to running backs in six contests this season.

OCTOBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Likely available Sunday Jackson (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Jaguars, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact Jackson received the questionable tag despite practicing as a full participant Friday, so it's not a major surprise he's on track to play Week 7. The 24-year-old could be in line for a big day if he's active and avoids aggravating the knee injury, as Jacksonville allows the fifth-most rushing yards in the league (143.8 YPG). Joshua Kelley is poised for a larger workload should Jackson be limited or unavailable Sunday.

OCTOBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable Though Jackson (knee) practiced fully Friday, he's listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Impact When asked whether he expected Jackson to be a go this weekend, coach Anthony Lynn replied "we'll see," per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. With that in mind, the running back's status will be need to be tracked in advance of Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff. If Jackson is limited or out this weekend, added touches would be available for Joshua Kelley.

OCTOBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Still limited Thursday Jackson (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Impact We'll revisit Jackson's status Friday to see if he heads into the weekend listed as questionable or free from a Week 7 injury designation. If he is able to suit up Sunday against the Jaguars, he'll continue to share the Chargers' backfield duties with Joshua Kelley.

OCTOBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Limited at practice Wednesday Jackson (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Impact The Chargers were on bye Week 6, so we'll have to see if this is simply a case of Jackson managing a minor knee issue or indicative of an in-practice injury. With Austin Ekeler still sidelined by a hamstring injury, Jackson and Joshua Kelley have operated in a backfield timeshare that will continue Sunday against the Jaguars, assuming Jackson's availability.

OCTOBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Almost totals 100 yards Jackson rushed 15 times for 71 yards and caught five of his six targets for 23 yards in Monday night's 30-27 overtime loss to the Saints.

Impact Jackson broke free for 36 yards on a run during the first quarter, which set him up to lead the Chargers' backfield attack. Although the Saints made it tough to run afterward, Jackson at least commanded volume and pitched in with a handful of catches as well. In comparison, fellow tailback Joshua Kelley only managed 29 yards on 11 carries and caught just one pass for nine yards. Given that discrepancy, it wouldn't be surprising if the veteran Jackson earns another sizeable workload in Week 6 versus the Jets, but considering how poor New York has been this season, the rookie Kelley could do some damage as well. Overall, it'll be interesting to see how both players fare as they bid to replace Austin Ekeler's (hamstring) production, but the matchup could make all parties happy come Sunday.

OCTOBER 13, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Returns with minimal action Jackson rushed eight times for 13 yards and brought in two targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 38-31 loss to the Buccaneers.

Impact It was a rough return for Jackson who missed the previous two games due to a quad injury. It's unclear whether he struggled because of the difficult matchup or simply as a byproduct of working back into game shape, but the third-year pro will have to be a factor with Austin Ekeler (hamstring) shelved for the next four-to-six weeks according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Joshua Kelley, who totaled 33 yards on 12 touches, figures to be the first man up, but considering the Chargers heavily feature a running-back tandem, it's clear Jackson will play a critical role. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of injured offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga (back) and Trai Turner (groin), but with a number of enticing fantasy matchups ahead and some guaranteed playing time, Jackson could be an intriguing fantasy option moving forward.

OCTOBER 6, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to full practice Jackson (quadriceps) practiced fully Wednesday.

Impact Jackson is thus on track to return to action Sunday against the Buccaneers, but his workload may be difficult to project. Rookie fourth-round pick Joshua Kelley has emerged as a vital piece in the Chargers' game plan through the first three weeks, and his skills as a between-the-tackles thumper may make him a better complement than Jackson for starter Austin Ekeler.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Sidelined again Week 3 Jackson (quadriceps) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Panthers.

Impact Jackson has yet to practice since injuring his quadriceps Week 1, missing two outings in the process. With Austin Ekeler leading the Chargers' ground game, Joshua Kelley will be the alternative option for RB snaps with Jackson out of the lineup.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Draws doubtful tag Jackson (quadriceps) is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact Jackson appears on track to miss a second consecutive game due to his lingering quadriceps injury, a development which would put Joshua Kelley on track to once again dominate No. 2 touches behind Austin Ekeler. If Kelley manages to log another strong showing against the Panthers on Sunday, and Jackson indeed is sidelined, the latter may only end up left with a marginal role by the time he does retake the field.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Still not practicing Jackson (quadriceps) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Jackson's in danger of missing a second straight game in Week 3, as he hasn't practiced since suffering this injury in the season opener. The Northwestern product has been usurped by rookie Joshua Kelley as the No. 2 RB behind Austin Ekeler, and at this point, Ekeler and Kelley are a 1A-1B tandem in the Chargers' backfield. A quick return by Jackson likely won't change that, but he'll aim to get on the field in some capacity by the end of the week.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Out as expected Week 2 Jackson (quadriceps) is inactive for Sunday's Week 2 tilt against the Chiefs.

Impact Jackson entered the day with a doubtful designation, so this news is of little surprise. The Chargers backfield will once again be helmed by Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley, the latter standing out in Week 1 with 60 rushing yards and a touchdown in his pro debut.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Not in line to play Week 2 Jackson (quadriceps), who is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, isn't expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact With Jackson still battling the quad injury he picked up in the Chargers' Week 1 win over the Bengals, he'll likely be included among Los Angeles' inactive players Week 2. Joshua Kelly is expected to step in as the clear top backup behind starting running back Austin Ekeler, while practice-squad callup Darius Bradwell will offer additional depth at the position.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful after missing practice Jackson (quadriceps) isn't practicing Friday, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. He is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Kansas City, Gilbert Manzano of the O...

Impact That's three consecutive missed practices for Jackson this week, so it's not surprising that he's more likely than not to sit out against the Chiefs come Sunday. If Jackson can't go, rookie Joshua Kelley will have an opportunity to further cement himself as the team's No. 2 running back behind Austin Ekeler following an impressive debut.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Still missing time Jackson (quadriceps) didn't suit up in Thursday's practice.

Impact Thursday marked the second consecutive practice missed for Jackson, signalling some real concern for his Week 2 availability. Look for the Chargers to promote Darius Bradwell from their practice squad, in any case, and if Jackson is limited or fails to suit up Sunday versus the Chiefs entirely, Joshua Kelley would be in line for depth snaps behind starter Austin Ekeler.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

No practice Wednesday Jackson (quad) won't practice Wednesday, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Impact Though the Chargers plan to promote Darius Bradwell from their practice squad, at this stage coach Anthony Lynn isn't ruling Jackson out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. If he's out or limited this weekend, added looks behind starter Austin Ekeler would be available for Joshua Kelley.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE