Los Angeles Chargers Cornerback J.C. Jackson to Miss Week 1

The Los Angeles Chargers will have to wait a little bit longer to see their premier free agent acquisition in regular season action. NFL Network's Taylor Bisciotti revealed cornerback J.C. Jackson is expected to miss the first week of the season:

Sources tell me #Chargers corner J.C Jackson is not expected to play Week 1.

Jackson wasn’t on the practice field Monday.
— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) September 7, 2022

Jackson underwent ankle surgery in late August. Initial timelines allowed for a possible speedy return, but it was always a longshot he'd be ready for the team's crucial opening tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders. Given Jackson's absence at Monday's practice, he could also be in line to miss the team's contest against the division rival Kansas City Chiefs in week two on Thursday Night Football.

Jackson came to the Chargers earlier this past offseason on a massive 5-year, $82.5 million contract agreed to in the early days of free agency. Initially an undrafted free agent signing by the New England Patriots following the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson immediately showed himself to be a ballhawk with a knack for the big play, hauling in a league-leading 25 interceptions over his first four years. Despite his rare production, the Patriots showed a persistent hesitance to commit to Jackson, denying him starts in the early portion of his career before finally allowing him to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason despite having every opportunity to use their franchise tag.

A Super Bowl favorite this year due in large part to an aggressive offseason and ascendant quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers will be tested early this season in Jackson's absence. Should they lose their first two games against the Raiders and Chiefs, they might find themselves in a hole they can't climb out of in the division.