Steven Jackson expected to practice Wednesday

Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs with the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons veteran RB Steven Jackson hasn’t been able to play since injuring his hamstring in Week 2, and his recovery has been slower than initially anticipated. Hamstring injuries are always tricky for veteran players, and Jackson reportedly had a setback last week to make matters worse. The Falcons desperately need Jackson to be healthy in order to give this team the feature/workhorse back they really need, because a committee of Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling can only take you so far. Add in the myriad of other injuries the Falcons have suffered through, and you can see why having Steven Jackson back is so important.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith expects, per the team’s official Twitter account, that Steven Jackson will practice to start the week on Wednesday, which would seem to indicate that last week’s setback on his hamstring injury was minor. His status for this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals would still be uncertain even if he does practice, but if he is able to have good practice sessions throughout the week then he will almost certainly be out there.

Jackson has been absent for a while now, and he couldn’t even get practice in last week. If he is unable to play this week, then that will be five full games that Jackson has missed this season. Hopefully Smith’s expectations are met, and this is the first encouraging news we have heard regarding Jackson’s status.

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