Eddie Jackson on track for healthy return to Chicago Bears training camp

Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson suffered a Lisfranc injury in Week 12 last season, putting his status for the start of training camp and the 2023 regular season in doubt.

Those doubts have lessened after Jackson returned to the practice field for the Bears’ final round of OTAs this week. While he was limited to individual drills and a few team reps, the fact that Jackson is participating is a big win and suggests he’ll be ready for training camp.

“Eddie has worked his tail off to get back to where he is,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “He’s in really good shape for working with the rehab staff, and I want to commend those guys, the training staff, for getting him back, and commend Eddie also for the hard work that he’s put in to get to this point.”

Lisfranc injuries can be complicated for players who rely on quick change of direction, something Jackson has proven is a big part of his ball-hawking style. The fact he’s this close to 100% already is, as Eberflus said, a testament to his work ethic.

HE’S B4CK pic.twitter.com/FWrWKshgTx

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 7, 2023

Eddie Jackson had something of a renaissance year in 2022. He totaled four interceptions after tallying zero in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Jackson exploded onto the NFL landscape with seven takeaways and three defensive touchdowns in 2018. He quickly emerged as one of the league’s top young safeties before undergoing a bit of a regression. But his 2022 season proved he’s a great fit in Eberflus’ defense and the leader of an exciting young secondary.

Jaquan Brisker joins Jackson at safety. Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and rookie Tyrique Stevenson are expected to be first-teamers, giving the Chicago Bears a group of five supremely talented playmakers.

Jackson’s rare playmaking ability and veteran leadership will be the engine that makes the secondary go. Getting him back and healthy in mid-June is great news.