Running back Steven Jackson started his Atlanta Falcons career with 122 all-purpose yards in his team debut and a first-quarter touchdown in his second game. However, as the 10-year veteran suffered a hamstring injury in that first quarter of Week 2 and hasn't played since. He plans to return to action Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Steven Jackson plans to ‘give it a go’ for Falcons, fantasy owners
The Falcons’ running back has been out since the team’s Week 2 game, but could return Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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In Jackson's absence, Jacquizz Rodgers has gotten the majority of the team's running-back touches. He has 193 rushing yards and 155 receiving yards on the season, with two touchdowns in each of the last two weeks. Jackson told reporters he wasn't at 100 percent, but said he would give it a go Sunday regardless.
Fantasy impact: With the injuries the Falcons have suffered in the passing game -- Julio Jones is lost for the year, and Roddy White hasn't had a healthy game yet in 2013 -- Jackson's return, even at less than full health, will be welcome for Atlanta.
The team is facing a decent run defense in the Cardinals, so expectations for Jackson ought to be tempered. That said, if he’s out there, he probably ought to be used, especially considering he has ability in the Falcons’ passing game that has seen a rash of injuries so far this year.
Rodgers sees his value dip if Jackson returns, but again, he can catch passes, and the Falcons need that. He’s still a viable flex option.
• Week 8 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
• Week 8 fantasy football waiver wire: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
