Chargers News: Star Cornerback Looks Ready For His Return

Our fingers are crossed he'll look more like his 2021 self than the 2022 vintage!

Oct 9, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) makes a catch between Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) and safety Derwin James Jr. (3) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Former All-Pro Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson could deliver on the promise that compelled the Bolts to sign him to a lucrative long-term contract in the first place.

The NFL recently released footage of Jackson, building up to a full sprint, on a treadmill, seemingly recovered from the ruptured patellar tendon that spoiled his debut season in the City of Angels.

J.C. Jackson comeback loading. ⌛️

(via @MR_INT) pic.twitter.com/ihKSGpkCFp

— NFL (@NFL) April 19, 2023

From 2018-2021, the undrafted 6'1" University of Maryland product enjoyed a decorated run with the New England Patriots, which included two Super Bowl appearances (and one win). 

In 2021, he was honored as both a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro thanks to his stellar defense return for the Pats. He recorded an NFL-most 23 pass deflections, plus eight interceptions, on the year.

Following this run, Jackson inked a five-year, $82.5 million deal with LA last spring. 

Then, like many Bill Belicheck system players, Jackson quickly began to break down once he left the friendly Foxborough confines. An August 2022 ankle surgery threw a wrench into his inaugural season with Los Angeles, causing him to be shelved for the club's entire preseason run as well as its first regular season game.

His debut season for the Bolts ended abruptly in its seventh week when he ruptured the aforementioned patellar tendon during a non-contact play during an eventual 37-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Suddenly the charmed health luck of what had seemed like one of the NFL's most promising defensive prospects was no longer a sure thing.