The thriller surrounding the absence of J.C. Jackson was solved Tuesday when the Chargers introduced the cornerback had ankle surgical procedure.
He's anticipated to return in two to 4 weeks, placing doubtful his availability to start out the season on time.
The Chargers open at SoFi Stadium towards Las Vegas in 2½ weeks, on Sept. 11. That recreation will probably be a rematch of an emotional 2021 Week 18 showdown gained in time beyond regulation by the Raiders in January.
The Chargers then play at Kansas Metropolis 4 days later in a Thursday night time recreation, the NFL schedule-makers throwing them instantly into the thick of the AFC West, which is extensively considered the league’s greatest division.
Not having Jackson would depart the Chargers’ cross protection shorthanded towards quarterbacks Derek Carr and Patrick Mahomes. Carr’s weapons embrace Davante Adams, a two-time All-Professional acquired by the Raiders through commerce.
In Jackson’s absence, Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. are the Chargers’ prime two outdoors cornerbacks. Veteran Bryce Callahan, one other free-agent signing, is their beginning slot nook.
Davis, a starter since halfway via the 2018 season, opened coaching camp enjoying behind Samuel. He finally surpassed Samuel, nonetheless, shifting as much as the primary group and enjoying reverse Jackson.
After not being noticed on the sphere for early pregame work Saturday earlier than the Chargers performed Dallas, Jackson then missed follow Monday due to an harm the group didn't determine.
Jackson was the Chargers’ prime free-agent addition within the offseason, agreeing to a five-year contract price as much as $82.5 million, $40 million of which is assured.
Undrafted popping out of Maryland in 2018, Jackson spent his first 4 years with New England, incomes his first Professional Bowl journey final season. His 25 interceptions since he entered the league lead the NFL.
Jackson’s process was carried out by Dr. Martin O’Malley on the New York Hospital of Particular Surgical procedure, in line with the Chargers.
Murray returns
After amassing 17 tackles over the Chargers’ first two video games in 2021, Kenneth Murray Jr.’s season unraveled due to a collection of ankle accidents that finally led to him having surgical procedure in April.
On Monday, he returned to follow for the primary time since final season.
“It’s been tough,” Murray stated. “It’s been one thing that I take into consideration loads. It’s one thing that I thrive on. I’m wanting ahead to this yr, responding day by day.”
Coming into his third season, Murray was a first-round choose in 2020 underneath former head coach Anthony Lynn.
Murray began all 16 video games in his first yr and set a franchise rookie file with 107 tackles.
He remained a starter into his second season — and first underneath head coach Brandon Staley — earlier than his ankle points took over.
He stated the adversity from 2021 has made him stronger.
“I thrive on going on the market and displaying that day by day,” Murray stated. “That’s simply how I really feel about this season … that this season is simply day by day responding and displaying who the hell I'm. Interval.”
Requested if he’ll be prepared for Week 1, Murray stated, “Completely.”
“We’re excited to get Kenneth again,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill stated. “It actually provides some extra depth at that linebacker place. He’s a competitor. He’s been eager to get on the market.”
Van Noy issue
Murray’s return means the Chargers can start shifting versatile veteran Kyle Van Noy between linebacker and edge rusher, one thing he has accomplished with success within the NFL.
When the Chargers signed Van Noy through free company, the assumption was he would largely play outdoors. However with Murray unavailable, he has labored solely inside throughout coaching camp.
Van Noy additionally provides the Chargers choices when forming their 53-man roster, permitting them to maintain one fewer edge rusher in the event that they decide to go that approach.
“He’s a chess piece that actually offers quite a lot of worth on your protection,” Staley stated. “Then, not solely the chess piece facet, however then simply the management facet. Very, very large addition for us.”
And so forth.
Trey Pipkins III once more took all of the first-team snaps at proper sort out in follow as he seems to have gained the beginning job over Storm Norton to open the season. Norton is anticipated to be the group’s swing sort out getting into Week 1. … Linebackers Nick Niemann and Amen Ogbongbemiga each had been working with the No. 1 punt protection group. … The Chargers signed cornerback Michael Jacquet. … They positioned tight finish Stone Smartt on reserve/nonfootball harm and waived cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, linebacker Damon Lloyd and edge rusher Ty Shelby with harm designations to succeed in the league-mandated 80-player restrict. Groups should cut back their rosters to 53 on Aug. 30.
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