Vincent Jackson and September 4th?
Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was placed on the team's roster-exempt list, was suspended by the NFL for the first three regular-season games for the violating the league's personal-conduct policy.
So, in other words, the earliest that Jackson could be in uniform is Week 4.
Depending on what happens between now and September 4th at 6 p.m. ET, Jackson may be forced to sit out an additional three games even if he's traded or (much less likely) wants to play for the Chargers.
Per NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, the league's collective bargaining agreement states that "once a club has notified a player of its intention to place him on the roster exempt list, the player must remain on that list for three games following the date on which he actually reports to his club."
If he doesn't sign his tender by September 4th, Jackson won't be able to report until after their Week 3 matchup against the Seahawks. Then he would be required to sit out the games versus the Cardinals, Raiders and Rams if he's still a Charger.
There is the possiblity (or likelihood) that if Jackson isn't traded that he sits out for at least the first ten games.
In order to qualify for a year of accrued service toward free agency, a player needs to be on an active roster for a minimum of six games.
So, if he isn't traded, the three-game or six-game suspension is a moot point since I expect him to miss ten games and play the bare minimum to accrue a year of service.
If the Chargers trade Jackson, however, he will be able to play in Week 4 if he signs his tender before September 4th. Otherwise, he'll have to wait an additional three weeks.
