Vincent Jackson returns to San Diego Chargers after 10 week holdout
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson returns to the starting line-up for this Sunday 28 November match-up against the Indianapolis Colts. Jackson, who has been holding out since the beginning of the year, will be active for the Chargers' final
six games, thus making him eligible for free agency next season.
Jackson, a Pro-Bowler last year who set career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns, was looking for a significant pay increase. When Chargers general manager A.J. Smith refused to engage in contract negotiations, Jackson stated he would sit out the entire
season.
After missing training camp and the first seven games of the season, Jackson reported to the team, and then served a mandatory three-game suspension on the roster exempt list. Jackson’s decision to hold out resulted in $2.5 million being slashed from his
$3.268 million contract.
When asked if he regretted his decision, Jackson said, “Absolutely not.”
Jackson’s outlook for the remainder of the Chargers' season is high. In speaking with reporters for the first time since reporting to San Diego on 29 October, Jackson revealed, "I'm excited about what this season can become. This team is on an upward swing
right now, got a lot of momentum. We're trying to get guys healthy, but we make no excuses. We're going to go out there, and we're going to fight each and every game, and I expect us to do very well."
In regards to his physical shape, Jackson confirmed he felt fresh and energized. "I've always taken care of my body. I'm always out here working hard throughout the season. There's a lot of things you've got to do on and off the field to be fresh late in
the year.”
As for his thoughts on Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, Jackson had nothing but high praise.
"He's made do with whoever's stepped up," Jackson said. "You can't take it away from that guy. I mean, what he's done with running backs, hitting 14 to 15 different receivers this year. He's one of the top players in the league, without a doubt."
The Chargers will need Jackson to step right in, as current wideout Patrick Clayton underwent surgery on his injured left wrist Wednesday and will be sidelined indefinitely. He hurt it after tumbling into the end zone in Sunday’s contest against the Denver
Broncos.
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