NFL Rumors: Chargers Cornerback Could Play Week 2

The Los Angeles Chargers defense might get a boost for Thursday's Week 2 pivotal matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports star cornerback J.C. Jackson is a game-time decision this week:

#Chargers CB J.C. Jackson is considered a game-time decision tonight against the #Chiefs, per source. The plan is to work out Jackson -- who had ankle surgery Aug. 23 -- before the game and make a final call.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 15, 2022

Jackson missed Week 1 following a preseason ankle procedure. One of the Chargers' free agent splashes this offseason, Jackson signed a five-year, $82.5 million after an exceptional four-year run with the New England Patriots. The Chargers hoped that the additions of Jackson and edge rusher Khalil Mack, who dominated in Week 1, would radically transform last year's 29th-ranked scoring defense. The Chargers will need both to slow down the red-hot Chiefs, who scored 44 points in a Week 1 demolition of the Arizona Cardinals.

Jackson arrives at the Chargers following a Pro Bowl season with the Patriots that saw him haul in eight interceptions and lead the league in passes defended. He has a remarkable 22 interceptions since 2019, and he has yet to allow a season-long passer rating exceeding 66.5 since coming into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Should he be ready to go this week, he'll likely be tasked with locking up new Chiefs wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Juju Smith-Schuster.