There will be no season of validation for Vincent Jackson.
Jackson, the wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Bucs, was placed on injured reserve by the Bucs Tuesday.
Jackson, 33, had only 15 catches for 173 yards and no touchdowns this season. Last season, he caught 33 for 573 yards and three scores. In six of his previous seven seasons, Jackson had at least 1,000 yards receiving.
His fade had been the discussion of fans wondering if this would be his final season. His knee injury (an anterior cruciate ligament) will only feed the speculation.
“This is obviously very disappointing for me personally,” Jackson said. “I had high hopes for this season because I know what we are capable of accomplishing as a team. My top priority going into every season is being out there with my teammates and helping my team any way possible. While I may not be on the field for the foreseeable future, I will be focused on beginning my rehab as soon as possible and finding ways to support my teammates in whatever way I can.”
Jackson’s injury comes just as Louis Murphy begins his 21-day practice session as he comes off the physically unable to perform list for the Bucs. It is possible the team signs a receiver for the short-term.
“Any time you lose a player and team leader of Vincent’s caliber, it is a setback for your team,” said Bucs’ coach Dirk Koetter. “Vincent is a very tough-minded player and a great competitor. Even though he doesn’t recall when he injured his knee, he was still out there the entire game and made two crucial catches on our final drive to set up the game-winning field goal. I know that being placed on injured reserve is difficult for him, but I also know he will maintain a strong presence in our locker room and will help our younger guys prepare and develop because that’s the type of team-first leader he is.”
The Bucs play at San Francisco Sunday.
