Ready to play Sunday

Jackson (ankle) is active for Sunday's wild-card game against the Eagles.

Analysis: Jackson was listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis Thursday and Friday. The 25-year-old sat out the final two games of the regular season with the right ankle sprain, but he's all set to go for the Bears' potential playoff run.

Status remains up in air

Jackson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's wild-card matchup with the Eagles.

Analysis: Jackson managed to practice in a limited capacity both Thursday and Friday, marking his first on-field activity since spraining his right ankle against the Packers on Dec. 16. No matter, coach Matt Nagy called Jackson a game-time decision after the latter session. Per Stacey Dales of NFL Network, Jackson himself expects to play, but such a decision won't be confirmed until the Bears release their inactive list approximately 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:40 PM ET kickoff.

Advances to limited participation

Jackson (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: Jackson hadn't practiced since spraining his right ankle in the Bears' Dec. 16 win over the Packers, so this amounts to the first noteworthy progress in the safety's recovery. The Bears remain hopeful the star safety can suit up in this weekend's wild-card matchup with the Eagles, but he may need to increase his activity at Friday's practice for the team to feel truly confident about his availability.

Held out of Wednesday's session

Jackson (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: The wet field conditions could have impacted Chicago's decision to keep Jackson off the field for their first official practice of the week. Either way, Jackson's status for Sunday's wild-card matchup with the Eagles remains in limbo after the right ankle sprain sidelined him for the final two regular-season contests. The Bears will do everything they can to ensure one of the league's top safeties can strap up, but his availability will ultimately come down to a decision from the medical staff.

Not playing in Week 17

Jackson (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: Listed as doubtful heading into the weekend, Jackson was never a likely bet to suit up in the regular-season finale. Though the star safety will miss a second straight game, he should have a decent chance at making it back for the postseason, especially if Chicago is able to clinch a first-round bye with a win Sunday coupled with a Rams loss to the 49ers. Deon Bush is in line to make another start in Jackson's stead.

Listed as doubtful

Jackson (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Jackson sat out last week's win over the 49ers due to a sprained ankle and is trending towards remaining sidelined for the season finale. Given that the Bears can only move up to the No. 2 seed in the NFC if the 49ers manage to defeat the Rams, it appears likely that Chicago will rest Jackson for the playoffs.

Won't practice Wednesday

Coach Matt Nagy relayed Jackson (ankle) will be a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "We think [Jackson is] getting better," Nagy said.

Analysis: Jackson has been a lynchpin of the Bears' dominant defense this season, totaling 51 tackles, six interceptions, three touchdowns, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one sack in 14 games. A sprained right ankle is affecting him down the stretch, and while a first-round bye is on the line this weekend in Minnesota, the Bears likely are more focused on getting Jackson healthy for the playoffs.

Won't play Sunday

Jackson (ankle) didn't travel with the team and was ruled out for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

Analysis: Jackson was officially considered doubtful as he deals with a right ankle sprain sustained last week against the Packers, so this was to be expected. The 25-year-old will look towards a potential return Week 17 against the Vikings, with Deon Bush expected to take over the starting role at free safety in the meantime.

Not on track to play

Jackson (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

Analysis: It's a bit of a surprise Jackson hasn't been ruled out entirely, as he seems to be dealing with a severe right ankle sprain. Unable to practice in any capacity this week, the safety is likely aiming to return for the regular-season finale or the playoffs. Deon Bush is expected to replace Jackson in the starting lineup, making things a bit easier for Nick Mullens, George Kittle and the rest of the San Francisco offense. Jackson is tied for third in the league with six interceptions and leads all…read more

Not practicing

Jackson (ankle) won't practice Wednesday, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Coach Matt Nagy told Campbell that he's "cautiously optimistic" Jackson isn't dealing with a season-ending injury, though Nagy may be referring to the playoffs rather than the final two weeks of the regular season. Deon Bush likely will replace Jackson in the starting lineup in Week 16 at San Francisco, representing a sizable downgrade for the Bears defense. Jackson has already piled up 51 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and three touchdowns this season.

Expected to play again this year

Coach Matt Nagy said he doesn't think Jackson's ankle injury is season-ending.

Analysis: Listed on the Week 15 injury report with a shin issue, Jackson sprained his right ankle in the process of making his sixth interception of the season. He doesn't look good for Week 16 in San Francisco, but the Bears at least are optimistic the star safety will be available at some point before the end of the season, even if it's only in the playoffs. Jackson likely will start the week absent from practice.

Injures ankle Sunday

Jackson sprained his right ankle in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Packers, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Analysis: Jackson hurt himself after he went down awkwardly on a fourth-quarter interception, his sixth of the season and fourth in the last five games. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported afterward that the team should know more about the extent of Jackson's injury within the next 24 to 48 hours, but the 25-year-old is almost certain to miss time. Deon Bush would fill in at safety if that is the case.

Ready to play Sunday

Jackson (shin) is active for Sunday's game against the Packers, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: The shin injury has been nagging Jackson for the past two weeks, but it only forced one absence from practice Wednesday through Friday. It's likely that Jackson was just receiving a maintenance day Friday, so he should be available to play his usual high volume of snaps. The safety has been an IDP star this season, accruing 45 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, a sack and three total touchdowns.

Expected to play Sunday

Jackson (shin) is listed as questionable but expected to play Sunday against the Packers, Chris Emma of 670 The Score reports.

Analysis: Jackson played through this shin injury against the Rams last week, when he logged one solo tackle, three defended passes and one interception over 63 defensive snaps. The Alabama product has 45 tackles (36 solo), 13 defended passes, five interceptions, three touchdowns and two forced fumbles on the season. If Jackson suffers a setback, Deon Bush would likely see a bump in workload.

Continues string of big plays

Jackson intercepted a pass while adding six tackles in the Bears' 15-6 victory over the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Jackson's been on fire over the last six weeks, as he's picked off four passes, recovered a fumble, and scored three times. Although he hasn't collected more than six tackles in a game this year, there are few IDPs who offer more weekly upside.

Playing Week 14

Jackson (shin) is listed as active Sunday versus the Rams.

Analysis: Despite his lack of participation at Friday's practice, Jackson was expected to suit up by coach Matt Nagy, who termed that absence a "rest day" due to the session taking place on turf, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Given the all-clear to play Sunday, the second-year safety will lead his charges against one of the league's most dynamic offenses. On the season, Jackson has notched 44 tackles, four interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, two forced fumbles, one fumble…read more

Likely to play Week 14

Jackson was added to the Bears' injury report Friday due to a shin issue and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Analysis: Jackson was withheld from Friday's practice due to the injury, though coach Matt Nagy characterized the safety's absence as a "rest day" due to the team practicing on turf, per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Nagy's comments suggest the Bears were just exercising some caution with Jackson, who has ranked as one of the top IDP options among secondary players this season thanks largely to his penchant for big plays. The second-year player has picked off four passes, forced two fumbles…read more

Offensive snaps on horizon

Jackson has "a handful of plays" in the Bears' offensive playbook, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Jackson has an absurd five defensive touchdowns through 27 NFL games and has illustrated excellent ball skills with six interceptions and three forced fumbles. "We always joke that these DBs are back there because they can't catch," coach Matt Nagy said. "Well, he doesn't fall into that category. This guy could be playing some wide receiver." The 24-year-old isn't expected to actually make the shift from safety to wide receiver, but it wouldn't be surprising for the Bears to try and get the…read more

Scores another touchdown

Jackson returned an interception for a touchdown while adding three tackles in Chicago's 23-16 win over the Lions.

Analysis: For the second week in a row, Jackson came up huge with a pick-six, and in this game, his big play came in the fourth quarter to give the Bears a road win. Although he hasn't been posting strong tackle numbers, he has four interceptions, a sack, a fumble recovery and three scores on the season. There are very few defensive backs with the weekly upside that Jackson possesses.

Scores second touchdown of season

Jackson returned an interception for a touchdown in the Bears' 25-20 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: Despite failing to secure a single tackle, Jackson had a huge fantasy day by intercepting Kirk Cousins and returning it for a score. Over his last eight games, he's intercepted three passes, recovered a fumble, and posted a sack, while notching two total scores. That productive stretch has rendered him an upside IDP option.

Finds end zone

Jackson returned a fumble for a touchdown while adding five tackles in the Bears' 41-9 victory over the Bills.

Analysis: Although he's had a number of weak fantasy performances throughout the season, he's intercepted a pair of passes along with a sack before this week's big stat line. Based on the number of big plays he's made in his two seasons with the Bears, he's the type of player on whom fantasy managers can gamble if in need of an upside performance.

Collects second interception of season in Week 4

Jackson intercepted a pass while adding three stops in Chicago's victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Jackson now has two interceptions along with a sack in four games, and although he's yet to post more than three tackles in a game, his big-play ability gives him significant weekly upside. He'll be back in action against Miami after the Bears' bye week.

Intercepts a pass

Jackson picked off a pass while adding three tackles (two solo) in Sunday's 16-14 victory over the Cardinals.

Analysis: Jackson has yet to record more than three tackles in a game in 2018, but he's had a sack and an interception over the last two weeks, which is an example of the upside he showed on occasion last year when he was a rookie. Although he's not yet a star IDP, his weekly upside makes him a strong streaming option.

Jackson collected 11 stops in the Week 17 loss to the Vikings, ending the season with 73 tackles, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 16 games.

Analysis: Jackson was an uneven IDP performer over the Bears' first 11 games, but recorded at least five tackles in each of his last five games while averaging seven tackles during that span. He'll enter the second year of his four-year rookie deal in 2018 and should be considered a top IDP at the safety position, as he should continue to show improvement with a full season under his belt.

Jackson recovered a fumble while collecting eight tackles in Saturday's loss to the Lions.

Analysis: Jackson's posted more than six tackles for the second time this season, and with at least five tackles in each of his last three games along with an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries, he's been a strong fantasy option down the stretch of his rookie season.