The Raiders have already gotten one big break before the 2022 season begins. They’ll take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 and their AFC West rival will likely be without one of their best players.
According to Taylor Bisciotti of NFL Network, cornerback J.C. Jackson is not expected to play in Week 1 after undergoing an ankle procedure just a few weeks ago. There were hopes that he would be ready for the start of the season, but that does not appear to be the case.
Sources tell me #Chargers corner J.C Jackson is not expected to play Week 1.
Jackson wasn’t on the practice field Monday.
— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) September 7, 2022
Jackson was one of the biggest prizes in free agency and he landed with the Chargers on a massive contract. He has been one of the NFL’s most productive defensive backs over the last two seasons, totaling 17 interceptions and 37 pass deflections.
While he isn’t expected to miss much time, Jackson’s absence is noteworthy because the Chargers play the Raiders and Chiefs (Thursday Night Football) to start the season.
Without Jackson on the field, Davante Adams should put on a show in his first game with the Raiders. Look for Asante Samuel Jr. to move from out of the slot to the outside to match up against the best receiver in football.
