Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins after an injury against the Rams in Week 2.
Steven Jackson’s fantasy owners will lose him for at least one
The Falcons running back was ruled out of Sunday’s game after a thigh injury, and could miss more. We break down the fantasy implications.
Scott Cunningham
Jackson was injured Sunday during an eight-yard touchdown reception, leaving the game immediately afterward with a thigh injury. Atlanta coach Mike Smith ruled Jackson out for Week 3 on Tuesday, and said it is possible that game is only the first one Jackson will miss.
“It’s short-term,” Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Don’t know if that’s two or three weeks.”
Fantasy impact: Backup running backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling found very little effectiveness Sunday after Jackson left, combining for 36 yards on 13 carries, plus a Snelling touchdown. Even with that score, Rodgers is the most likely guy to see a benefit as long as Jackson is out. He caught four passes for 28 yards Sunday as well, and with wide receiver Roddy White also hobbled, it's possible Rodgers could see a boost in the passing game as well.
That said, no one on the Falcons can do what Jackson does, and while he’s out, it would be supremely hard to expect any of his replacements to provide similar value. Jackson’s fantasy owners have to be disappointed, while Rodgers probably isn’t a top-20 play. If Jackson ends up having to miss more than a week, it’s possible the Falcons will just bite the bullet and give him through the bye to recover.
