The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to get Steven Jackson back on the field for the first time since Sept. 15. The veteran running back was originally signed to stabilize the ground game and take pressure off Matt Ryan. However, a hamstring injury has hampered Jackson for the past few weeks, keeping him out of the game. That is the story of the Falcons season, but in Week 8 the team is hoping a few things change.
Jackson was back at practice on Wednesday and feeling healthy. He noted that doctors were pleased with the progress his legs have made and he is confident about his ability to contribute on the field. Jackson says that he has not felt any pressure to return to the field despite injuries killing the Falcons Super Bowl dreams.
"Overall, as a team, we haven't been where we want to in the running game. But I feel no added pressure from that," Jackson said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "The organization, the training staff have been more than willing to work with me to make sure I'm 100 percent. Once I get back out there it's like treating it like Day One of training camp: getting back my run reads, getting back my fits with the offensive linemen and just giving them words of encouragement. That's the veteran leadership that I bring."
He admits that things have been tough to watch from the sideline. The Falcons offense has yet to be able to establish consistency as injuries have knocked out both Julio Jones and Roddy White, plus several players on the offensive line. Jackson says everything has been a learning experience and he is ready to get back out with his teammates.
"To see my teammates go out there and battle, being here seven days a week with those guys and not being able to participate and not be able to maybe be a difference-maker in a game or two, it's been very frustrating. But I have learned a lot by just actually becoming coach. Now I think I really know the details of some of the plays I probably didn't know because I was so new to the offense," Jackson said.
Despite the return of Jackson, fantasy owners should still hold on to backup Jacquizz Rodgers. In Week 7, Rodgers had eight catches and 46 yards in passing. He scored two touchdowns. He and quarterback Matt Ryan have strong chemistry as Rodgers proves to be a reliable threat on screen passes. Jackson is still recovering and his productivity in Week 8 against the Cardinals is still uncertain.
