Justin Jackson Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (knee) is inactive for tonight’s game against the Chiefs. He returned to limited practices this week and has a good shot to play Week 16. With Austin Ekeler (neck, concussion) also out, L.A. is down to RBs Justin Jackson, Detrez Newsome and Troymaine Pope. Jackson will serve as the lead back and projects for 15-20 touches, making him a RB2 with upside.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that it'll be "challenging" for Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (knee) to play against the Chiefs tonight. Schefter adds that "the Chargers won’t make a final determination on Gordon until pregame warmups." But fantasy owners shouldn't be planning on having him this week. Gordon's absence -- along with Austin Ekeler's -- would leave rookie Justin Jackson as Los Angeles' lead back.

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Chiefs. He put in limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday and did travel with the team to Kansas City. It looks like Gordon will be a game-time decision. We'll find out his official status around 7 pm ET tomorrow. RB Austin Ekeler (neck, concussion) is out. So if Gordon can't play, rookie Justin Jackson will serve as the Chargers' lead back.

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (knee) returned to a limited practice on Tuesday. HC Anthony Lynn and the media have been pessimistic about Gordon's chances of playing against the Chiefs on Thursday night. But Gordon himself said he expects to be a game-time decision. And the Tuesday practice at least gives him a shot to play. We'll continue to monitor his progress.

Chargers HC Anthony Lynn is "not optimistic" about RBs Melvin Gordon (knee) and Austin Ekeler (concussion, neck) being ready for Thursday night's game against the Chiefs, according to NFL.com's Steve Wyche. Their absences would leave the backfield to rookies Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome. Jackson has looked good over the past 3 weeks, averaging 6 yards per carry and catching all 3 of his targets for 42 yards. He'll be a good bet for 15+ touches on Thursday night, making him a RB2 with upside. Newsome has only 5 carries for 15 yards this season and figures to mix in for just a handful of touches behind Jackson.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler was placed in the concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms on Monday afternoon. He's also dealing with that neck injury and looks extremely unlikely to play against the Chiefs on Thursday night. The question now becomes whether RB Melvin Gordon can return from his knee injury for that one. If not, rookie Justin Jackson will operate as the Chargers' feature back.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler aggravated a neck issue Sunday and appears in doubt for Thursday night's game against the Chiefs. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Ekeler will need further testing on the area, which had experienced "stingers" in recent weeks. The short turnaround for Week 15 obviously makes things more difficult. The Chargers might get Melvin Gordon back from his knee injury for that game. If not, they'd have to turn to rookie Justin Jackson as the backfield starter. Jackson hit Sunday still available in 57% of ESPN leagues.

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (knee) is out for Sunday’s game against the Bengals. We’ll see if he can make it back for next Thursday’s showdown with the Chiefs. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will again handle backfield duties for L.A. this weekend.

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (knee) is out for Sunday night’s game against the Steelers. Austin Ekeler steps in as the lead back and should see around 20 total touches, making him a strong RB2 play. Justin Jackson will serve as the #2 RB, but we’re not expecting him to get more than a handful of touches.

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (hamstring) is inactive for this morning's game in London against the Titans. He reportedly injured that hammy in Friday's practice. He'll get a Week 8 bye to heal up. Gordon's absence today leaves the Chargers with RBs Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome, who was just promoted from the practice squad on Saturday. Ekeler obviously gets a huge bump here -- although it's worth noting that the 5'10, 200-pounder hasn't topped 11 carries in an NFL game. He, of course, will play a big role in the passing game, so we'd expect 15-18 total touches today.

The Chargers cut rookie RB Justin Jackson to make room for TE Antonio Gates. That only further solidifies Austin Ekeler as the #2 and handcuff to Melvin Gordon

The Chargers spent a 7th-round pick on RB Justin Jackson. The Northwestern alum spent 4 years as a workhorse, averaging 285.5 carries, 1,360 yards and 10.5 total TDs per season. Jackson added 122 receptions for 858 yards for his career, including 35 and 44 catches the past 2 years. He joins a backfield that saw Austin Ekeler flash as Melvin Gordon's #2 last season, but there's room for Jackson to battle for touches. The diminutive back ran a decent 4.52-second 40 at the Scouting Combine but crushed the explosion and agility tests: 89th percentile vert, 78th percentile broad, 85th percentile 3-cone, 93rd percentile short shuttle. Jackson will be worth watching this summer and beyond and belongs on the dynasty radar late in rookie drafts.