Injured Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowler Cleared for OTAs

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson has taken another step forward in his comeback bid from a devastating and disappointing 2022. The Chargers recently shared footage of the one-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion making a long-awaited return at organized team activities.

return of the real pic.twitter.com/pSMVG2tpzq
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 9, 2023

Jackson suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in Week 7 of the 2022 season. He had been off to a miserable start in his first year as a Charger, allowing a disastrous 149.3 passer rating on throws in his direction.

From 2019 to 2021, Jackson was arguably the biggest playmaker at defensive back in the league; over 49 appearances with the New England Patriots, he nabbed 22 interceptions and broke up 47 passes. Beyond that, he allowed no better than a 66.5 cumulative passer rating over any individual season. If that player is still lurking somewhere inside him, he could still be an asset next season.

Jackson demonstrated an alarming lack of compatibility with the Chargers defense last season, but the Chargers have no choice but to cross their fingers and hope he'll bounce back and rediscover the swagger that made him one of the league's most feared corners. Jackson signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal in free agency last year, and the Chargers would accelerate an untenable $32 million in dead money onto their cap over the next two years by releasing him. For at least one more year, he'll be a Charger.