J.C. Jackson suffered a ruptured patellar tendon injury in Week 7 of the 2022 season and it looked like he was going to miss at least a year with the injury. That is why it was such a surprise (and welcomed sight) when Jackson was able to suit up and participate on the first day of LA Chargers training camp.
Jackson's recovery was well-ahead of schedule and as long as there were no setbacks he was going to be ready to play in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately on Friday, it appears that there was some kind of setback.
Jackson left practice early and was seen limping off the field. The former All-Pro corner spent time time on the stationary bike before heading into the medical tent.
#Chargers CB J.C. Jackson is heading to the medical tent with a trainer. He was limping after taking a rep.
— Jeff Miller (@JeffMillerLAT) August 4, 2023
The fact that Jackson was able to walk off on his own power is a good sign and the severity of the injury is unclear. Chargers fans are hoping that it is just a small tweak and nothing serious. But with Jackson's injury history, it is justified to be concerned. We will continue to update this article with relevant information once it becomes available.
UPDATE: The Chargers said that Jackson leaving practice was due to general soreness and that it is part of Jackson's recovery from surgery.
J.C. Jackson left practice today during individual drills. #Chargers say it is general soreness in his surgically repaired right knee and part of process of working through return to play.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 4, 2023
Chargers news: J.C. Jackson get hurt, Trey Pipkins returns, Jordan McFadden plays left tackle
Jackson hobbling off during practice was not the only piece of significant Chargers news from Friday's practice in front of fans. Fans also got to witness the return of Trey Pipkins, who was not practicing for about a week with an undisclosed injury.
The Chargers shared virtually no information about Pipkins' injury. The team has not been the best in the past with sharing accurate information and timelines, so it was fair to worry about Pipkins' long-term outlook (especially after he dealt with a lingering MCL injury last season). Pipkins put those worries to rest by returning on Friday.
Pipkins returned right in time as star left tackle Rashawn Slater was held out of practice with an illness. This is obviously nothing to be worried about long term and it allowed the team to work out 2023 sixth-round pick Jordan McFadden at the left tackle position.
McFadden was pitched as another Jamaree Salyer-like selection by the Bolts during the 2023 NFL Draft and him getting reps at left tackle confirms that suspicion. If Slater or Pipkins were to go down during the regular season then there is a chance that McFadden gets reps over Foster Sarell.