Justin Jackson Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Chargers RB Justin Jackson suffered a groin injury in Saturday's preseason opener. He was reportedly looking like the favorite for the #2 job behind Austin Ekeler -- barring injury. Durability has been a major problem for Jackson throughout his NFL career so far. We'll see how long he's out with this latest issue. Joshua Kelley is probably the next favorite for that #2 job, although rookie Larry Rountree played well in his preseason debut.

CBS' Jonathan Jones came away from Chargers camp believing Justin Jackson has a "stranglehold" on the #2 RB job. That jibes with insider Gilbert Manzano's take that a healthy Jackson should win the #2 job. Durability has been an issue for Jackson, but he's been efficient when on the field and easily out-played RB Joshua Kelley last year. We'll continue to monitor this situation -- and whether any Chargers RB behind Austin Ekeler will be a fantasy factor.

The Chargers placed RB Justin Jackson on the reserve/COVID-19 list. When activated, he’ll compete with Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree to be a complimentary back alongside Austin Ekeler.

Update: Jackson returned to practice on July 29.

In assessing the Chargers' RB depth chart, Gilbert Manzano of the Southern California News Group writes: "[Justin] Jackson is probably the most talented running back on the team not named Ekeler, but he struggles to stay on the field because of injuries. If he's healthy during training camp, expect Jackson to win over the new coaching staff and earn the No. 2 job." Durability has certainly been a big issue for Jackson, who played in just 16 total games over the past 2 seasons. But we saw Joshua Kelley disappoint and lose playing time as his rookie season went on. Larry Rountree is the only player among the 3 to be drafted by the current regime, but he was just a 6th-round selection. This looks like an open competition for what's expected to be 2 roster spots. Jackson has played well when on the field and brings intriguing upside as an end-of-draft lottery ticket. This should be a particularly good situation in which to be the #2 back, with Ekeler seeming unlikely to get true workhorse-level rushing work.

The Chargers on Wednesday designated RB Justin Jackson (knee) to return from IR. That gives the team 3 weeks to decide whether to return him to the active roster. We'll see how soon Jackson can return to action. Kalen Ballage returned to operate as L.A.'s #2 RB last week behind Austin Ekeler. We'd bet on Jackson jumping back in front of Ballage when he's ready. Ekeler should be the only Chargers RB in fantasy lineups at this point, though, outside of deep leagues.

Chargers RB Justin Jackson (knee) has been placed on IR. He'll miss Sunday's game vs. the Dolphins and at least 2 more after that. Los Angeles will move forward with RBs Kalen Ballage, Joshua Kelley and Troymaine Pope, who's questionable for Week 10 with his concussion.

Chargers RB Justin Jackson (knee) is out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. RB Troymaine Pope (concussion) is listed as questionable. His absence would leave Los Angeles’ backfield down to Kalen Ballage and Joshua Kelley. After Jackson exited early in last week’s game, Ballage totaled 15 carries and 3 targets to Kelley’s 9 carries and 5 targets.

Chargers RB Justin Jackson (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. His injury isn't believed to be serious, but his availability for this weekend's game against the Dolphins is uncertain. RB Troymaine Pope (concussion) was a full-go on Wednesday and should be back this weekend alongside RBs Joshua Kelley and Kalen Ballage.

It doesn't sound like Chargers RB Justin Jackson should miss further time with the knee injury that knocked him out early in Week 9. HC Anthony Lynn said at his Monday press conference that Jackson might have been able to return against the Raiders with a knee brace on had he been needed. We'll see about Jackson's participation this week, but it sounds like he at least has a shot to play against the Dolphins.

Chargers RB Justin Jackson suffered a knee injury early in Sunday's game against the Raiders. He's officially questionable to return. Jackson's absence leaves L.A. with RBs Joshua Kelley and Kalen Ballage.

Chargers RB Justin Jackson (knee) is active for today’s game against the Jaguars. He was listed as questionable but put in a full practice on Friday, so we’re not overly concerned about the knee. Jackson is in the RB2 mix vs. Jacksonville’s 28th-ranked RB defense.