LA Chargers: Projecting Bolts’ 2020 running back fantasy value

RB Justin Jackson

Jackson returns for his third season with the LA Chargers. This time, it’s fair to have relatively high expectations for his fantasy value. Taking the second string running back role could bring a rather large fantasy stock rise with it. In average draft position, the former Northwestern star has been going in the late 11th round or early 12th.

Jackson did deal with a calf injury last season that kept him out for about a month. Some have labeled him injury prone as a result, but it’s a bit much in my opinion to drop that label on him after one injury. He’s been day to day with a foot injury in practice, but it doesn’t seem major enough to really take into fantasy considerations.

Kelley’s progress in year one will decide a lot about Jackson’s role, both in 2020 and going forward. The bad thing for Jackson about his foot injury in the Sunday scrimmage is that it did allow Kelley to get some more reps. For now, though, approach the situation like Jackson is the second back.

Amongst the other back up running backs, Jackson strikes me as having a little more potential than people are giving him credit for. He has good field vision, speed, and moves well in between the tackles. If Tony Pollard can get touches here and there with Ezekiel Elliott in front of him, Jackson can certainly get a decent chunk of the offense. At the very least, he’s a solid bench piece.