Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (hamstring) sat on the sidelines of practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play in the team's Week 4 game against the New England Patriots, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter. The original timetable for Jackson's return was 2-4 weeks, so this should not be a surprise for fantasy owners.
Steven Jackson ruled out for Week 4, on fantasy sidelines
The Falcons’ main running back is not expected to play for a while. We discuss the fantasy implications.
Chris Graythen
Fantasy impact: Jackson has always been regarded as a guy who struggles with injuries, playing a full 16 game schedule just three times in his 10-year career. That said, two of those healthy years have come in the last three seasons, so fantasy owners have to be feeling discouraged with the ailment.
Jackson has 130 total yards in the two games he's played this season and has just 20 total touches out of the backfield for the Falcons so far. While he recovers, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling will carry the load in the meantime.
Snelling is the player more likely to benefit from the absence of Jackson and he proved it in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, rushing for a solid 86 yards on 18 carries to go with two receptions. On the other hand, Snelling finished with 111 total yards on 16 touches against the Dolphins. Fantasy owners should start either back as a replacement if they must with Snelling having the slight edge over Rodgers, especially in leagues that reward receptions.
• Week 4 fantasy football waiver wire: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
