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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

Steven Jackson expected to be ready for Week 1, fantasy upside still limited

The Falcons’ go-to running back should be ready for the team’s Week 1 game against the Saints. We break down the fantasy implications.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (hamstring) should be ready to play when the team takes on the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, according to a Orlando Ledbetter. Jackson started 12 games for the Falcons last season due to the same injury.

Fantasy Impact: In 10 NFL seasons, Jackson has managed to start all 16 regular season games just three times. Last season, he managed a total of 734 yards from scrimmage, which is roughly half of his usual output. Being a starting running back in the NFL for a decade is no small accomplishment, but Jackson is undoubtedly on the downside of his career.

If receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones can both stay healthy and post bounce back numbers, Jackson could take advantage of the added running room and climb back over the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2014.

That said, the likelihood of him getting hurt at 30 years of age or splitting time with the younger Jacquizz Rodgers has to be high at this point of his career, so fantasy owners beware.

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