Steven Jackson was supposed to be the saving grace of the Atlanta Falcons run game. The team let go of veteran Michael Turner in the offseason and signed Jackson to be the new featured player in the backfield. Things were going well until Jackson left the game with thigh injury after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams. Falcons fans were hoping to get Jackson back within a few weeks, but now it looks like there is a bigger issue holding back the veteran.
ESPN's Vaugh McClure reports that Jackson is now suffering from a thigh injury anymore, but a hamstring injury that could keep him out another 3-4 weeks. While the Falcons do have a bye week coming up which will give the veteran time to heal, the team is bracing for the possibility that Jackson does not return until around Week 7 of the season.
McClure reports that Jackson sustained a setback after the original thigh injury, meaning Atlanta's injury list just keeps getting longer and longer. Jackson would not discuss his status in detail, but he will be out for the Falcons' Sunday night matchup against the New England Patriots. He will also likely be inactive for the Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. The Falcons hope to get him back in time for an NFC South game against Tampa Bay.
In his place, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling continue to hold down the ground game. The two combined for 139 rushing yards against the Dolphins, but the veteran's absence was noticeable in red zone situations. Against Miami, the Falcons only managed to convert on two of five red zone appearances.
"I can't say where we could have used this person or that person. Steve didn't play," wide receiver Harry Douglas said, via ESPN.com. "And Jacquizz and Snell did play, and did very well for us when they were in there. ... Those two were out there playing, and Steve is getting better from his injury. He wasn't out there."
For now, fantasy owners should stick with either Rodgers or Snelling. It is really 50-50 on which back is better. Rodgers got more attempts on Sunday. He put up 86 yards on 18 carries, along with seven yards on two catches. Snelling had 53 yards on 11 catches, but put up 58 yards receiving on four passes. The Falcons will stick with them until Jackson returns for the second half of the season.