SAN DIEGO ---- Vincent Jackson's recent production doesn't match his early season output. The Chargers' top receiving threat put up huge numbers early in the season, snagging one deep pass after another en route to the best start of his professional career.
While heighten production and media attention is welcome, it comes at a cost.
Jackson is a focal point for opposing defenses, which have made it a mission to take Jackson out of recent games.
"I go out expecting the worst," Jackson said after Thursday's practice. "I assume I'll get the toughest coverage possible, with a corner following me and safety help over the top. I appreciate the respect, but I still want to be as productive as possible. I believe that if I can move around, run different route from different spots and stay unpredictable, I can find room to make plays. Even in tight coverage, I feel I can win individual matchups and stay involved in the offense."
Jackson has done so, but in a different capacity.
He's more involved in the short passing game, and typically lines up in different positions to find space to work.
He has five catches for 68 yards in the two games since making the game-winning touchdown catch against the New York Giants, when he was nationally outed as one of the NFL's best receivers.
Since then, Jackson's been blanketed more than ever.
"Defenses have to double team Vincent," receiver Malcom Floyd said. "If I was a coordinator, I would because he's been unstoppable. Sometimes it doesn't seem to matter. He can make big plays even while he's double teamed."
The extra attention also gives Floyd, Legedu Nannee and tight end Antonio Gates more room to work.
"Above all else, I want the team to be successful," Jackson said. "If I can divert attention from the other guys and leave them open to make plays, then I' m still doing my job. On a team with this many playmakers, sometimes a defense has to pick its poison."
Injury update
Jackson was back at practice Thursday after missing Wednesday with rib soreness. He had X-rays that came up negative, which is a good sign although he' s still in pain. The training staff said he didn't need to practice on Thursday, but Jackson insisted.
"It's important for me to stay in the flow," he said. "I just had to grit my teeth and fight through it. It wasn't easy, but I'm glad I did it."
Shawne Merriman missed his second straight practice with a foot problem, but should play on Sunday. The playing prospects for defensive end Luis Castillo (calf) are getting worse. He missed his second straight practice likely won't play against the Chiefs.
Center Nick Hardwick was a limited participant yet again, and coach Norv Turner said his return will be pushed back yet again while he recovers from ankle surgery.
Bolts receive extension
The blackout streak isn't over quite yet. The team has received a 24-hour extension to sell the 3,500 general tickets remaining for Sunday's game versus Kansas City.
The original deadline was set for Thursday afternoon, but the team now has until 1:05 p.m. Friday to sell the remaining tickets. The Chargers have used extensions to sell out games in the past, but they normally have far fewer tickets to sell and don't have to do so over a holiday weekend.
If the Chargers can pull off the improbable, they'll sell out their 45th consecutive game. If not, Sunday will be the first regular-season game blacked out on local television since a contest against New Orleans on Nov. 7, 2004.
Local television blackouts extend through San Diego, Los Angeles and Palm Springs.
Contact staff writer Scott Bair at 760-739-6642. Go to sportsblogs.nctimes.com for more Chargers news and notes.
