Fred Jackson might not be putting up marquee numbers each week, but the running back is certainly proving to be a viable member of the Buffalo Bills offense. While battling a knee injury, Jackson continues to hold his own with CJ Spiller, continuing to create a nice running back tandem to bail out whoever is under center for the Bills. As Jackson continues to suffer knee pain, the veteran says he will do everything he can to be on the field each week.
Jackson is efficient. He is not blowing people away with his production, but he makes the most of the carries he is given. On Sunday, Jackson carries the ball 11 times for 36 yards and a score. He also put up 49 yards on four catches. Those kinds of numbers are certainly not dropping any jaws, but they are enough to keep fantasy owners and the Bills' coaching staff happy. Jackson said he is going to keep pushing to be productive despite his injuries.
"There's always that possibility [of re-injury], but I try not to approach it that way. I want to be out there helping my team, help my teammates and do whatever I can to help them. We'll do whatever we can. The doctors will give me advice, let me know what it is I can do and I'll continue to put knee braces on and hope that helps. Number one thing is I want to be out there and contribute and help us win games," Jackson said, via the Buffalo Bills team website.
Head coach Doug Marrone would love to see Jackson return to the type of running back that can handle carrying the ball 20 times a game. As Spiller also deals with leg injuries, the 31-year-old veteran is needed to take some of the weight off the running back's shoulders. Over the past three weeks, Jackson has 32 total carries, while also putting up receiving yards. That could be a sign of increased work load to come.
Jackson will certainly not start getting more work than Spiller, but he will remain an excellent second option for running backs on a fantasy roster. Spiller is not going anywhere, but Jackson has five touchdowns in his limited role, making him one of the more productive second-string players in the league. He will not carry a fantasy team, but he will get points to help with a win.
"You want guys to step up and make plays for you; you've got to do it yourself. That's just what I try and do. I love this team, I love being a part of this team. The way to show that is to be out there with those guys, competing with them. That's what I tried to get done yesterday; hopefully I can continue to do so."