The Buffalo Bills released Fred Jackson on Monday, ending the running back's eight-year tenure with the team, according to Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News. Jackson had a strong showing against Pittsburgh on Saturday after sitting out the first two preseason games with a hamstring injury, but apparently it wasn't enough to save his roster spot.
Buffalo Bills release longtime running back Fred Jackson
Jackson’s eight-year run in Buffalo has come to an end despite a strong showing in Week 3 of the preseason and a depleted Bills backfield.
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The 34-year-old Jackson has rushed for 5,646 yards in his NFL career, scoring 37 touchdowns. Jackson, who was slated to make $2.35 million this season, wasn't asked to take a pay cut before the Bills informed him of his release, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said.
Bills general manager Doug Whaley released a statement about Jackson’s release, and said it was a difficult decision for the organization to make.
.@buffalobills GM Doug Whaley has issued the following statement regarding the release of RB Fred Jackson: pic.twitter.com/nGvTUuy5zZ
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) August 31, 2015 The Bills' talented backfield has been decimated by injuries this summer -- LeSean McCoy, Boobie Dixon, Bryce Brown and Karlos Williams all sat out against the Steelers Saturday. Ryan said he expects McCoy to be ready for Week 1.
Jackson got one last chance to shine on Saturday, when he rushed for 48 yards on five carries and scored a touchdown. Jackson’s first carry was a 41-yard run from scrimmage, and he reached the end zone two plays later.
Jackson averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry last season, but he set career highs in receptions and receiving yards. The veteran tailback gained over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last year for the fifth time in his career. Despite his age, he could still add value to another team’s running back depth.
When it was rumored the Bills were looking to move on from Jackson this offseason, fans created a petition to keep him in Buffalo. It accrued over 4,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.
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