Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson is working hard to get back to full health after a ruptured patellar tendon ended his 2022 season in Week 7.
Nearly eight months after the procedure on his knee, Jackson believes it won’t be long until he returns to the football field.
“I’m right on track,” Jackson said. “Almost there.”
Jackson is scheduled to meet with Dr. Neal El Attrache, who was the one to perform the surgery last October, next week to get a better idea on a return date.
Jackson is optimistic that he will be back by training camp in July.
“I’m expecting to come out here and practice every day,” Jackson said. “That’s how I’m taking it.”
“He’s progressing. He’s been working really hard,” head coach Brandon Staley said of Jackson. “This summer will be important for him.”
Jackson signed a five-year contract worth $82.5 million with Los Angeles last offseason.
Jackson’s first season with the Bolts wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows as he struggled to find his footing in Brandon Staley’s defense, leading to him getting benched. And then the injury occurred.
“Haven’t done anything. Got hurt. And I just got paid,” Jackson said about his assessment of last season. “I still got to prove to my teammates and to myself that I am still Mr. INT. I didn’t do (expletive) last year.”
The rehab process has been a long journey for Jackson, but he has used it as an opportunity to learn.
“I’ve been grinding, meeting with the coaches every other day, learning, just breaking down the defense so it can slow down,” Jackson said. “I’m going to be ready to go this year.”
Jackson could boost the Chargers’ defense if he can get back to live-game shape and play like the All-Pro corner he once was with the Patriots.
I’m confident that in training camp, once he gets to working with his teammates, that he’ll be able to showcase the real player that he is,” Staley said.