Falcons running back Steven Jackson's hamstring injury has lingered longer than expected, according to head coach Mike Smith.
Steven Jackson’s hamstring injury lingers longer than expected, fantasy owners will likely rely on backup plans once again
Falcons head coach Mike Smith shared a less-than-encouraging outlook on Steven Jackson’s hamstring injury during a press conference on Thursday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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It was initially expected that the Falcons would have their feature back return to the starting lineup immediately following their bye week, but the recovery time is proving to be more than anticipated. At 1-4, the Falcons could use all hands on deck to salvage a season with Super Bowl expectations, but it doesn't appear that Jackson can come to the rescue as the team deals with injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy owners can remain in limbo. At least there was a window of time when owners definitively knew they would be without Jackson, but now, they will have to continue relying on contingency plans and waiver-wire pickups while waiting for a clean bill of health from week to week.
Making matters worse, the more games that the Falcons lose from now on, the less likely Jackson will return to the lineup in a timely fashion. There would be no rush to get the veteran runner back into action if the season is lost, but if they get back into contention for a Wild Card spot, then that’s a different story.
For now, Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers will presumably continue to carry the mail while Jackson's out, but neither is a particularly attractive option versus a capable Buccaneers front seven this week.
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