Jackson welcomed back with open arms

FOXBORO >> The Patriots need immediate help at cornerback and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy believes recently reacquired J.C. Jackson can provide it.

The Patriots acquired Jackson in a trade with the Chargers for a late-round pick swap. Jackson, who was with the Patriots from 2018-21 before signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers in free agency last offseason, practiced with the team Thursday.

“We know he’s going to bring a lot to the team,” Guy said. “And it’s good to see a familiar face in the locker room. With a lot of new people coming in, a lot of people going out, it’s good to see somebody else come back in that we know that knows the system.

“So, he’s going to be able to come back in at full speed, not that big of an adjustment from when he left to what it is now.”

Patriots defensive captain Deatrich Wise said the team welcomed Jackson back with open arms and said everyone gave him a hug.

It takes a while to list out the Patriots’ full injury situation at cornerback, so strap in. Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez is expected to miss the season with a shoulder injury. Veteran Jonathan Jones has missed the last three games with ankle injuries. Secondyear pros Jack Jones (hamstring) and Marcus Jones (shoulder) are both on injured reserve.

That leaves Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade and rookie Ameer Speed on the 53man roster and Breon Borders and Azizi Hearn on the practice squad.

“Always loved having J.C. around,” center David Andrews said. “He’s always been a fun teammate. Excited to have him back. He’s someone who’s been here and knows. I don’t really work with him that much. If I’m playing

DB or he’s playing O-line, there’s probably some bigger issues.”

Jackson told reporters last week he’s not 100% healthy after undergoing knee surgery to repair a patellar tendon injury he suffered last year. He played the Chargers’ first two games, then was a healthy scratch in Week 3. He dressed but didn’t play in Week 4.