Chargers top 5 breakout season players in 2020: RB Justin Jackson

The third-year running back for the Los Angeles Chargers could have a big season in 2020.

Every season, there are players who break out onto the scene who may not have been dominant the season before, whether they were a backup, dealt with an injury or just improved as a player in the offseason.

This is the first story in a 10-part series counting down the top 5 Chargers players who I believe are most likely to have a breakout season in 2020.

Jackson, the seventh-round selection of 2018, has flashed each and every time that he is on the field.

In his rookie season, he was buried on the depth chart and didn’t get many opportunities because Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler carried the load. In the following season when he had the opportunity to break out, Jackson was held back by an injury, limiting him to just seven games.

However, Jackson has done remarkably well as a runner in limited action. In 20 games played, the former Northwestern product has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 79 touches.

Entering his third campaign, the team is still “very high” on Jackson despite the durability concerns. After drafting RB Joshua Kelley in the fourth-round of this year’s draft, it’s evident that the backfield will likely be a committee.

But with the team expected to run the ball more now that a mobile quarterback will be under center, Jackson will have the chance to return back to his old ways and carry a large load, if he can stay healthy.

“This year’s a big year for Justin,” Ridgley said. “We’ve got to find a way to get him on the field and have him contribute. I think everyone in here saw what he can do when he’s healthy.”