Vincent

Jackson

Jackson, who was found deceased on Monday at 38 years old, suffered from chronic alcoholism, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. The sheriff added the Jackson’s family members believe he struggled for years with symptoms of CTE, or brain degeneration likely caused by repeated head traumas -- an alarmingly common issue for ex-NFL players. Jackson had isolated himself in a hotel for a month before he was found dead. The league created a fund for former players who suffer from cognitive decline, a move criticized by many as inadequate.

Jackson, 38, was found deceased at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, Florida. Although he’ll be remembered on the field for three Pro Bowl selections, Jackson notably won the Bucs’ Man of the Year honor four years in a row while working closely with military families and, in particular, military mothers. He last played in 2016 and was an early mentor to Mike Evans.

The promising fourth receiver suffered the injury during San Diego’s preseason opener.

The rookie prospect isn’t going to crack the top three receivers in San Diego barring injury. Since Jackson himself is sidelined, he could be No. 5 on the depth chart.

Corkran admits it’s purely “speculation,” presumably based on new coach Dennis Allen’s history with Colston and Harper. Opining that Darrius Heyward-Bey is still ideally a No. 3 receiver despite his furious finish to the 2011 season, Corkran also believes Vincent Jackson is a “very viable option” in free agency. We see the Raiders as having higher priorities than wide receiver.

It’s not like Asomugha needs the practice, but it is concerning that this injury could linger into the season and prevent him from chucking receivers at the line. It’s been an ugly preseason for the Raiders. Oakland hosts San Diego in Week 1. Vincent Jackson will be a much better play if Asomugha is out.

White says Asomugha’s “chip” fracture includes cartilage damage, but it’s just barely a two-week injury. The Raiders realize Asomugha’s value and will push him to face San Diego. Still, he may struggle to jam Vincent Jackson at the line of scrimmage. Worry less about V-Jax getting shut down.

Jackson showed good timing with Philip Rivers on a diving touchdown catch in the first quarter and the two hooked up for a pair of key third-down conversions. Kassim Osgood started over Jackson, but was a non-factor in the passing game.

The way the Chargers talk about the immensely gifted Jackson, he could pass Eric Parker on the depth chart as a starter. Philip Rivers says Jackson can be the “best receiver in the league.” We wouldn’t draft him in fantasy leagues yet, but he’s someone to watch closely.

With current first-teamer Eric Parker expected to handle punt returns, his responsibilities in the pass game may be reduced, and San Diego wanted Parker in the slot anyways. Jackson could benefit.