Chargers Will Likely Be Without Two Key Players Vs. Raiders

If the Bolts are without both men, they could be hard-pressed to come away with a win in what will be a very important game.

Jackson Is Slated To Play A Huge Role

Last season, Los Angeles missed the playoffs by the slimmest of margins, despite having an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert and potent offensive weapons in wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running back Austin Ekeler.

The main culprit: their defense.

The Chargers ranked 22nd in forced interceptions, 23rd in total yards allowed, 28th in first downs allowed and 29th in points allowed.

They brought in some significant reinforcements for their front seven, but the secondary also needed help.

That’s where Jackson comes into play.

The 26-year-old is one of the NFL’s best young cornerbacks, and he led the league in passes defended last year while earning his first Pro Bowl bid.

As a rookie in 2018, he had the good fortune of playing on a Super Bowl championship team as a member of the New England Patriots, a type of experience that money simply cannot buy.

The Raiders now possess Davante Adams, quite possibly the best wideout in football, and if Jackson isn’t able to line up opposite him on Sunday, he could very well bludgeon the Chargers.

In that scenario, L.A. will need to step up its pressure on the line of scrimmage and not let Derek Carr get comfortable spotting his receivers downfield while also preventing running back Josh Jacobs from taking advantage.

The Good News

Just because Jackson is listed as doubtful doesn’t mean he definitely won’t play.

There are indications that he will end up being a game-time decision on Sunday.

Keep in mind that this was more of a procedure to fix lingering discomfort in his ankle than a legitimate injury.

At the same time, if Parham is unable to play, it may not be a huge deal, as he is listed as the team’s TE2 behind Gerald Everett.

Everett was signed by the Chargers in March to replace Jared Cook, who wasn’t retained after last season.

As a member of the Seattle Seahawks last year, Everett had 478 yards and four touchdowns, and he spent his prior four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.