Chargers running back Justin Jackson was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, according to the NFL’s transactions report Tuesday.
Jackson has been a productive playmaker for the Chargers the past three seasons when healthy, but because of lack of availability, he could be competing for a roster spot this training camp.
The fourth-year player from Northwestern has missed 16 games the past two seasons because of multiple injuries, and it might not help his case that he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal with a new coaching staff.
If Jackson is able to return to practices quickly, he’ll need to win over head coach Brandon Staley and his staff before the cutdown to 53 players on the roster. Jackson will compete with running backs Joshua Kelley, rookie Larry Rountree III and Darius Bradwell. Dynamic playmaker Austin Ekeler is the Chargers’ starting running back.
Jackson rushed for 270 yards and recorded 173 receiving yards in nine games last season.
The Chargers also placed wide receiver John Hurst on the physically unable to perform list and signed offensive tackle Rashawn Slater and tight end Tre’ McKitty to rookie deals. All nine of the Chargers’ 2021 draft picks have signed their rookie contracts.
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