The Chargers will need to step up their game defensively in 2023 to avoid another disappointing playoff exit next season, and the return of J.C. Jackson from injury should help them to that end.
In his comments to the media after practice on Monday, defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley updated reporters on Jackson’s status and outlined his plan for the talented defensive back.
“He’s here every day. He’s been grinding for three, four months straight here, so it’s been good having him in the building and getting him around his teammates,” Ansley explained. “He’s been doing a phenomenal job with his rehab. He’s chomping at the bit. There’s really no timetable or timeline for his return, but he’s in here every day trying to get himself ready to go for the fall.
“With the combination, we’ll see how that all works out. We’re always trying to train defensive backs, not specialize guys or pigeon-hole them. We have four or five guys that are working at Star, four or five guys working at Money, which we value as starters. We’ll see how that combination works out as we get to camp.”
Whether Jackson will be able to step in and seamlessly gel with the Chargers’ secondary after missing so much time last season is unknown, but judging from Ansley’s comments it seems that he is on track to make a triumphant return ahead of the regular season.
Time will tell if his star will continue to rise after the devastating injury he sustained in 2022, but if it does, Los Angeles won’t need to fret about their group of highly-skilled cornerbacks when the 2023 campaign kicks off in September.