The Los Angeles Chargers announced Tuesday that cornerback J.C. Jackson underwent ankle surgery in New York, and his estimated return to play is "approximately 2-4 weeks."

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Jackson signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers in free agency as part of an effort to improve both their defense, and on a more macro scale, the roster around budding franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

Now, if his recovery takes as long as the Chargers suggest it might, Jackson may miss the season opener Sept. 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders and their new star wide receiver Davante Adams. They then face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 in the debut of Amazon's "Thursday Night Football" package.

After going undrafted out of Maryland in 2018, Jackson spent four seasons with the New England Patriots and was named to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro last season.

He's the kind of signing that can make a big difference in the new hulked-out AFC West. The Chargers just may have to wait a little longer than they expected to see him take the field.