Vincent Jackson Injury: Banged-Up Jackson Gives Worthless Dolphins Hope

Vincent Jackson has missed multiple practices with an abdominal injury. While, according to Tom Kessinich, early reports indicate that Jackson will be starting, it's unclear how effective he will be against the Dolphins.

With Antonio Gates already banged up and the Chargers barely escaping the Chiefs last week, there is no guarantee that the Chargers will win if Jackson is a non-factor.

If the passing attack is slowed, it's going to allow the Dolphins to keep pace with the Chargers. The Dolphins could easily be one of the worst teams in the league, but Kansas City proved to the Chargers that any team can step it up and present a challenge on any given Sunday.

The Chargers aren't in nearly the squalor that the Dolphins are. While the Chargers haven't won in the fashion they've wanted to and they have looked suspect at times, they are still 2-1.

The Dolphins are on the verge of going from frustrated to indifferent. They are fighting for Tony Sparano's job, and in order to avoid the designation as the worst team in the league, they need a win this week.

Jobs are on the line this week. The Dolphins can't afford a loss, and though they know they aren't as talented as the Chargers, knowing they don't have to deal with Jackson at full strength can breathe a sense of confidence into their hopeless locker room.

Jackson has the ability to completely take over a game. He's a matchup nightmare, and even banged up, he's still got the upper hand over the Dolphins' secondary.

Unfortunately, his injury gives the Dolphins a fighting chance. Healthy and the Chargers stomp out the Dolphins with ease. With a superstar at less than 100 percent, we could see the Chargers' passing game struggle, which would open the door for the Dolphins to capitalize.