"There had been much more locker room chatter in recent months about left tackle Marcus McNeill than about Vincent Jackson, but Chargers players have long said they would love to have the talented wide receiver back and expect him to be able to contribute.

"The bottom line is we need him," tight end Antonio Gates said Thursday. "He's a big part of what we've done in the past, and he can help us as we try to get this thing done."

One of Jackson's agents called Chargers Vice President Ed McGuire on Thursday to confirm what had previously been reported – that Jackson will play this season. Agent Neil Schwartz told McGuire that the Pro Bowl receiver will report to the team a week from today and sign the tender for which he had heretofore refused to play.

"I believe he will do well," Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. "He always has been a worker, stays in shape, knows our offense. After a little game-speed adjustment, I would expect him to be a major contributor."

Jackson, who has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving the past two seasons, has stayed away from the Chargers in protest of his contract situation. While he and his agents had said he would not play for the Chargers under their current contract offer, they reconsidered in order to assure he will be an unrestricted free agent after this season."