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Phase II of the offseason workout program, the on-field practices, begins May 23. Jackson hasn’t practiced since tearing his pectoral early in training camp on Aug. 1.
“It was a freak accident,” Jackson said. “It was during one-on-ones, and I kind of popped the ball out. I didn’t know I was hurt. I didn’t think it was that bad.”
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Jackson, who had never been hurt before, called the injury ‘devastating.’ But the hardest part came after the rehab was complete.
There were still five weeks left in the regular season when he was cleared to return to practice, but the Bengals elected to make backup running back and Pro Bowl special teamer Cedric Peerman the one player they were allowed to bring back from Injured Reserve, a decision that came a few days after running back Giovani Bernard tore his ACL.
“I think that was the hardest time,” Jackson said. “It was either me or Cedric. It was kind of hard for me because I thought I was coming back, but unfortunately I didn’t. So I just had to swallow it and get ready for this year.”
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Jackson, whom the Bengals drafted 24th overall last year out of the University of Houston, is one of four first-round cornerbacks on the roster, joining Adam Jones, Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard.
He said that stiff competition is something he embraces.
“I love it,” Jackson said. “We’re going to let this play out when we get to competing. I’m ready for whatever.”
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That includes a possible role as a slot corner with Jones and Kirkpatrick the incumbent starters.
“I can play whatever,” he said. “All you’ve got to do is give me a chance and I’ll make it happen. It’s really different in the slot, but I feel like I can play anywhere.”
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Jackson used his time off as a rookie to dive into the mental aspect of the game, but he said there’s no substitute for getting out on the field and challenging himself and his teammates.
“I always have something to prove,” he added. “I’ve got a lot to prove to myself and the team that I can play.”
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