Bolts’ J.C. Jackson Undergoes Ankle Surgery

AUGUST 24: Providing further context on the matter, head coach Brandon Staley explained that the procedure was not undertaken to heal an injury. “It’s more of a comfort level when he will decelerate at times. It’s just more about his peace of mind moving forward, to do it now… He tried the rehab part of it and an injection and he just felt like if we can get this thing done that he’s going to be full speed and there’s no turning back. And again, I can’t state it enough, there’s not an injury with his ankle” (Twitter links via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper).

AUGUST 23: The Chargers may be without their well-paid cornerback acquisition to start the season. J.C. Jackson underwent ankle surgery Tuesday in New York.

The former Patriots corner faces a two- to four-week recovery timetable, making him iffy for the Bolts’ regular-season opener. No roster move involving Jackson will be made until the team sets its 53-man squad, though it is unlikely — barring a setback — Jackson will need to be placed on IR to start the season. This procedure can be categorized as a scope, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Jackson left New England for Los Angeles after the Bolts authorized a five-year, $82.5MM deal. That pact came with $40MM fully guaranteed and $28MM in Year 1. The former UDFA has intercepted 17 passes over the past two seasons; his 23 passes defensed led the league in 2021. Jackson also closed his Patriots career having not missed a game over the past three seasons.

This year’s Bolts season starts off with key games. The Chargers open the season against the Raiders and then travel to Kansas City for a Thursday-night game in Week 2. Not having Jackson against a reloaded Raiders offense or against perennial MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes would certainly test the Chargers, though L.A. does have some returning starters at the position.

Michael Davis is the frontrunner to be the team’s outside corner starter opposite Jackson, having moved ahead of former second-round pick Asante Samuel Jr. for that gig. Jackson’s injury opens the door to a configuration of Davis, Samuel and slot Bryce Callahan. The latter’s rampant injury troubles also make Samuel a candidate to see slot duty.

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