No Surgery For Vincent Jackson
January 8th, 2016
Vincent Jackson ended the season on injured reserve with a damaged knee and updated his situation on SiriusXM NFL Radio today.
Speaking to hosts Bruce Murray and Jackson’s former teammate, eight-time Pro Bowler James Lofton, Jackson opened up about his future. Lofton asked whether Jackson needed to get his injury “cleaned up” in the offseason.
“No. No. It was just unfortunate for me, man, this year. I just took some unlucky shots. Literally, both of them were almost identical,” Jackson said.
“Now I know we’re dealing with all this targeting and the concussions but, honestly, both shots I’m going up for a ball, you know, a guy’s coming low on me where I’m not looking and can’t really protect myself. So, you know, it’s a Catch-22 with the penalties now for these guys and their health. Fortunately, nothing major.
“I think if we were going to the postseason, I’d be playing.”
So there you have it. Jackson will be just fine after injuring his knee early in the then 6-6 Bucs’ critical home game against the Saints on Dec. 13. Jackson played in just eight games this year. His loss really limited the effectiveness of the offense.
Regardless, the Bucs have decision to make, considering Jackson turns 33 next week and is set to earn about $10 million in 2016. As Joe has noted previously, the Bucs are under no time pressure. Jackson only gets paid if he makes the opening day roster.
Today, Jackson went on to say he will not be altering his intense offseason regimen. Jackson said he goes hard into a non-football activity during his vacation, often boxing, biking or swimming.
“Whatever it is, I think the body needs to be shocked and not just continue to do football drills throughout the year,” he said.
January 8th, 2016 at 1:24 pm
The hit he took against the Saints I said “That was a dirty hit” when it happened. Next thing I know he’s done for the day. Next thing I know he’s done for the year. That made me mad
January 8th, 2016 at 1:37 pm
I Hope Jackson can convenience Hall of Famer James Lofton to be our next receivers coach.
January 8th, 2016 at 1:40 pm
It is difficult to overlook VJax and his ability to find the open spot for the reception time after time. I don’t know where the Bucs are going regarding bringing his age, salary and experience back into the fold, but I’m positive for keeping him a Buc.
January 8th, 2016 at 2:14 pm
Finally…some actual news instead of opinions.
January 8th, 2016 at 2:15 pm
It was a different team without Vjax and ATG in the last 4 games.
January 8th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Keep the quality talent already here and that includes VJax.
January 8th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Keep V-Jax! We need an experienced leader in the WR room is a consummate professional to teach these youngins. We def need an upgrade in terms of speed with dependable hands, but High-priced free agents usually don’t come in as a great leader / mentor / teammate (especially WRs).
January 8th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
@Joe, unrelated to this article but this firing of Lovie smith has created traffic like hasnt been seen since people were debating Winston vs Mariota. I bet you are loving the business 😉
Love the site, Keep up the good work
January 8th, 2016 at 3:41 pm
oh and keep VJ, we got the money even if he refuses to take a cut. throw him in the slot and he’ll do great, draft a speed receiver to complement him and Evans
January 8th, 2016 at 6:34 pm
I think VJAX has enough value left for the Bucs, especially with ME desperately in need of some direction from somewhere. VJAX is still effective on the field.
We NEED VJAX for 2016.
I think the Bucs have enough value left for VJAX that he will take the required pay cut to play here next year.
Then again I’m generally one of the blog optimists. Just seems to me that the ingredients needed to produce a win-win deal are already in place.
January 8th, 2016 at 6:35 pm
Jackson needs to stay on this team until Mike Evans grows up. I don’t know how long that will be but…. Pay the man!
The offense hasn’t learned to move without him.
January 9th, 2016 at 8:12 am
Keeping VJax depends on his injury. Licht hinted that it might be career ending.
January 9th, 2016 at 9:09 am
V-Jax and ME are like CC and Moss with the Vikings… Keep these guys together with a young QB ala Donte Culpepper…
Looking forward to seeing a complete season with all of our O intact.
I stand by the fact Lovie was building the O before the D. Had a couple players played better or stayed healthy all this BS with the hire fire coaches stradagy would of ended.
I believed the same thing with all the other coaches they have fired just because the Glazers are to worried about fan opinion…
You know the players get paid too… They have to perform like pros as much as anyone!!!
January 10th, 2016 at 12:58 pm
The only way we release Vincent Jackson is if Alshon Jeffery becomes available in FA, which probably will not happen. There simply are not a lot of options out there. The obvious concern is his 12M contract and his age. Will he continue to have injury problems? More than likely. That is why there is a critical need to draft an elite WR in round one. WR Laquon Treadwell is an option. Ask yourself this question, how did the offense perform when Jackson was out?