FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 6/13/2013 11:52am et

Atlanta Falcons RB Steven Jackson questioned the notion that a running back is officially toast at age 30. 'This is not the '70s or '80s, when it was just hard-nosed football. The game has changed. As long as I can evolve with it, I'll be just fine.' He's trying to fight off effects of age by going on a gluten-free diet.

Huddle Up: Jackson hits 30 right before the start of training camp and will certainly put the theory to the test having had at least 293 touches and 1,363 yards from scrimmage in each of the past 5 seasons.

Posted: 5/30/2013 11:57pm et

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith called RB Steven Jackson a 'big strong running back that catches the ball extremely well. ... He's a guy who had close to 100 catches in a season, so he's a guy that we can use in the passing game.'

Huddle Up: Smith knows what he is talking about as Jackson has 217 catches over the past 5 seasons to rank sixth among all NFL RBs.

Posted: 3/14/2013 5:55pm et

The Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent RB Steven Jackson (Rams) to an undisclosed 3-year deal.

Huddle Up: Jackson was coveted by several teams, but he wasn't going to find a better fit than Atlanta, where he steps right in for the recently released Michael Turner as the team's No. 1 back. Jackson is a far superior pass catcher than Turner -- 407 career receptions to Turner's 70 -- and he allows the smallish Jacquizz Rodgers to maintain his role a third-down, change-of-pace back.

Posted: 3/13/2013 12:07pm et

The Green Bay Packers have made contact with the representatives of free-agent RB Steven Jackson to express interest in him, according to an NFL source, but it doesn't appear they are close to signing him. The Packers want to sign Jackson at their price and will not engage in a bidding war with any other teams.

Huddle Up: The Falcons are also reportedly interested in Jackson, and either team would offer Jackson a shot at goal-line work and decent fantasy value. All Green Bay has to do is wait for Atlanta to sign someone else and Jackson may need to "settle" for Green Bay's offer.

Posted: 3/12/2013 12:02pm et

The Green Bay Packers reportedly covet free-agent RB Steven Jackson (Rams), as they look to upgrade their run game this offseason.

Huddle Up: The Falcons, Steelers and Lions reportedly are all in the mix, too, among others, and Jackson will emerge as one of free-agency's big winners if this bidding war amps up even more.

Posted: 3/7/2013 11:50pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson has decided to void the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Huddle Up: It was only a matter of if, not when, as Jackson wants to test the open market and try to hook up with a contending team.

Posted: 3/2/2013 11:31pm et

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to consider St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson one of their top targets in free agency if he voids the final year of his contract.

Huddle Up: The release of Michael Turner creates an opening in the Atlanta backfield, one that Jacquizz Rodgers is unlikely to fill all by himself. Jackson still has a little left in the tank and would be a solid complement to Rodgers in a Falcons RBBC.

Posted: 2/26/2013 1:44pm et

With St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson set to void the final year of his deal and test the free-agent market, one of the early front-runner his services is the Atlanta Falcons. They are expected to part ways with veteran RB Michael Turner.

Huddle Up: Jackson would be a big upgrade over Turner as he adds another dimension as a pass-catcher. To wit: Jackson has 407 career receptions, while Turner has only 70, and both players entered the league in the same year (2004).

Posted: 2/17/2013 10:36pm et

Impending free-agent RB Steven Jackson (Rams) has until March 12 to decide whether or not to void the final year of his contract with the St. Louis Rams. It is almost universally expected within the organization that he will void the contract and explore the free-agent market.

Huddle Up: Jackson has provided the Rams with 7 straight 1,000-yard seasons, but at age 30, this likely will the RB's last big shot to cash in and sign with a contender such as the Falcons or Packers.

Posted: 2/5/2013 1:25pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson is expected to decide whether to opt out of his contract at some point in February. If he does return to the Rams, it likely will be under a new contract.

Huddle Up: More than a few teams are awaiting a decision from the league's active career rushing leader (10,135 yards in 9 seasons). Jackson will be 30 when training camp rolls around but figures to have a few good seasons left in him as a No. 1 back, getting the majority of workload in a timeshare.

Posted: 1/31/2013 12:05am et

The Oakland Raiders could show interest in St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson if he becomes a free agent this offseason.

Huddle Up: Wait, didn't we just hear the Raiders were going to build their offense around Darren McFadden? This would be kind of the opposite of that. Jackson would likely be the short-yardage member of that backfield committee, taking a significant bite out of McFadden's potential--almost as big a bite as his injury risk. Surely Steven can find other clubs in need of a goal line back--maybe even a team that occasionally reaches the goal line.

Posted: 1/22/2013 10:17pm et

The Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons could be eying St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson if he decides to void his deal by March. However, none of those three teams are expected to have much salary cap room, meaning Jackson will have to play for much less than the $7 million he'd receive in St. Louis.

Huddle Up: First we'll see if Jackson decides to enter free agency, and if he does, any of the above 3 teams would make excellent destinations. If there's mutual interest, the salary-cap issues have a way of working themselves out.

Posted: 1/20/2013 12:20pm et

Eugene Parker, agent for St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson, said Jackson has not decided whether he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason. Jackson has until the start of free agency to make his decision. If he decides to remain with the Rams, he will be scheduled to make $7 million in 2013.

Huddle Up: Jackson has been a fixture in the Gateway City, posting 8-straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons -- the league's longest streak -- and while he would undoubtedly be a hot free-agent commodity, his best fit still might be with the Rams.

Posted: 12/28/2012 12:04pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson hinted that 2012 could be his last season. The team has expressed interest in keeping him, but he can explore free agency in the offseason.

Huddle Up: The Rams tweaked Jackson's contract to allow him to become a free agent after the season, but neither Daryl Richardson nor Isaac Pead have demonstrated they're ready to take over. Jackson could also look to latch on with a playoff-bound team in need of someone to handle the tough yards; Green Bay has been mentioned as a possible destination. Plenty of options for Jackson to consider this offseason.

Posted: 12/25/2012 11:55pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson recorded his 400th career reception in Week 16, moving him into a tie for fifth place on the franchise list with Hall of Famer Tom Fears.

Huddle Up: Jackson has been a consistent -- if unspectacular -- fantasy performer over the second half of the season, scoring at least 8 fantasy points (Huddle Peformance) in the Rams' past 7 games.

Posted: 12/22/2012 12:06am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (illness) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 21, and is listed as probable for Week 16.

Huddle Up: This is what Jackson's fantasy owners were hoping to see after the RB had missed the team's practices Wednesday and Thursday. The challenge Sunday, though, is the Bucs' defense, one of the league's toughest against the run.

Posted: 12/20/2012 11:20pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (illness) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 20.

Huddle Up: Jackson, who's played in every game this season, missed a second straight practice but figures to be good to go by Sunday.

Posted: 12/20/2012 10:09am et

The Green Bay Packers have been interested in St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson for a while. He's likely to void the final year of his contract and become a free agent.

Huddle Up: Jackson would offer an intriguing combination to the Packers: a power back who can batter defenses in nickel and dime coverage to protect against Aaron Rodgers, yet with the ability to pass protect and catch the ball. Could be a fit this offseason, so don't go cutting Jackson from your dynasty roster just yet.

Posted: 12/14/2012 7:21pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (foot) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 14, but is listed as probable for Week 15.

Huddle Up: That's a green light to roll with the veteran Jackson, who's had at least 86 total yards or has scored in each of his of past 5 outings.

Posted: 12/12/2012 7:22pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (foot) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Huddle Up: Let's see: Jackson's a vet, it's early in the week and late in the season -- nothing to worry about here.

Posted: 12/5/2012 11:37pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (foot) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Huddle Up: This is likely just a rest day for the veteran Jackson, who is on an impressive run with at least 86 total yards in each of his past 4 games.

Posted: 11/3/2012 8:10pm et

The St. Louis Rams have been fined $20,000 for failing to report RB Steven Jackson's groin injury in Week 2.

Huddle Up: This adds injury to insult to Jackson's fantasy owners, who have yet to see the RB top 76 rushing yards and rush for only 1 TD so far. You'd like to believe that better games are ahead, but Jackson's performance so far has given no indication that's going to happen.

Posted: 10/31/2012 11:23am et

St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said the team is not shopping RB Steven Jackson prior to the trade deadline and have not received calls about him, either. "The Steven Jackson rumors are rumors," Fisher said. "He's our running back and we're not calling around, nor are we getting calls for that matter. Put that to rest."

Huddle Up: As Jackson is free to walk following the season you know the Rams would at least take calls if anyone were interested in Jackson. You can put Fisher's comments to good use by showing them to the Daryl Richardson owner in your dynasty league as you try to acquire the Rams' future feature back at a reduced rate.

Posted: 10/30/2012 5:07pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson is unlikely to be traded before the deadline Thursday, Nov. 1, but Jackson's time with the team is surely waning. It's unlikely any team will give up high draft picks in exchange for a running back approaching 30 years of age with a contract about to expire. The writing is on the wall, however, that Jackson isn't a part of the team's long-term plans.

Huddle Up: Unsurprising considering Jackson's contract. This dings the entire St. Louis backfield's fantasy value, particularly Daryl Richardson's in the short term.

Posted: 10/29/2012 2:02pm et

The Green Bay Packers are one of the favorites to trade for St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson. General manager Ted Thompson 'covets' Jackson and had offered 'significant packages' for the running back previously. However, it's unlikely Green Bay will unload draft picks for a rusher that will be a free agent at the end of the year.

Huddle Up: We hear lots of trade rumors this time of year but few if any pan out. That won't stop hopeful Darryl Richardson owners from drooling all over themselves at the prospect of an SJax deal, so drool away.

Posted: 10/20/2012 12:19am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson has seven consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and it might be in jeopardy this season thanks to the emergence of RB Daryl Richardson. Through six games, Jackson is on pace for only 861 rushing yards, while Richardson is on pace for 656.

Huddle Up: Jackson has yet to top 18 carries or 76 rushing yards in a game as a 50-50 timeshare has taken shape. Once an automatic start, Jackson is now better suited for a bye-week fill-in or No. 3/flex back role.

Posted: 10/5/2012 12:14am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson rushed for a game-high 76 yards on 18 carries Thursday night in his team's 17-3 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Huddle Up: Jackson, who has been hampered by a groin injury, hit a season high as he hadn't rushed for more than 58 yards in the first 4 weeks. On the flip side, though, Jackson did not catch a pass and has yet to score a TD this season.

Posted: 10/4/2012 12:07pm et

Updating a previous item, St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) will play in the team's Week 5 game despite a sore groin, according to a team source. Jackson has been listed as questionable for the last three games, but so far he has yet to miss any action.

Huddle Up: This is a good news/bad news scenario for Jackson's fantasy owners as the banged-up RB also has played in each of the past 2 games but has done very little with 84 rushing on 29 carries. You still might need to use Jackson with 4 teams on bye, but definitely don't expect much with the opposing Cardinals allowing the second-fewest points to opposing fantasy backs.

Posted: 10/3/2012 10:33am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson has rushed for just 84 yards on 29 carries over the last two weeks as he's dealt with a groin injury.

Huddle Up: It's been all downhill for Jackson since he injured his groin on an apparent touchdown that was missed by the replacement refs, unchallenged by his coach, and ultimately rewarded with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Adding Daryl Richardson to your fantasy roster in expectation of Jackson fading into the background is the prudent move at this juncture.

Posted: 10/2/2012 10:38pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) was listed as a limited participant in practice Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Huddle Up: Jackson has played the past two games after suffering the injury in Week 2 but still appears to be less than 100 percent, rushing for a combined 84 yards on 29 carries (2.9 average) and catching 3 passes for 17 yards. He has yet to find the end zone this season.

Posted: 9/28/2012 6:40pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) was limited in practice Friday, Sept. 28, and is questionable for Week 4.

Huddle Up: Jackson was questionable a week ago and played against the Bears, although his 13 touches for 34 yards certainly didn't do much for his fantasy owners. The going doesn't get any easier this Sunday with the Seahawks' defense coming to town.

Posted: 9/26/2012 11:29pm et

Updating a previous report, St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) was on the field Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the team's facility, but he did not participate in practice.

Huddle Up: Jackson sat out practice all last week before playing this past Sunday. The same scenario is taking shape again this week, but for the second straight game, the Rams have a decidedly unfavorable matchup with the Seahawks' defense coming to town.

Posted: 9/26/2012 4:25pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Huddle Up: Jackson has played through injury without practicing in the past, but he risks aggravating his injury if he does so. Last week proved he the Rams would have been better served resting Jackson as he had to come out of the game because of his injury. Daryl Richardson will get the start and majority of playing time if Jackson misses this week. Plan accordingly.

Posted: 9/21/2012 6:47pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 21, and is listed as questionable for Week 3.

Huddle Up: Jackson hasn't practiced all week after leaving the Week 2 win early, and it looks as if we're headed toward a game-time decision Sunday. Rookie Daryl Richardson would get his first NFL start if Jackson can't go.

Posted: 9/20/2012 11:37pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) did not practice Thursday, Sept. 20.

Huddle Up: That's two MIAs in 2 days for Jackson who was pulled from last Sunday's game with the groin strain. Hopefully his fantasy owners were able to secure backup Daryl Richardson as he could be in line for his first NFL start Sunday.

Posted: 9/20/2012 11:32am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson was officially listed on the team's injury report after not taking part in practice Wednesday, Sept. 19, putting to bed rumors of a benching in Week 2. Head coach Jeff Fisher insisted Jackson was not benched for a 15-yard penalty after spiking the football against the Washington Redskins after a play. "Steven did not practice today," Fisher said. "He did not practice with a groin. So, he's day to day." Jackson said he'll be ready to play in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears.

Huddle Up: Man, the Rams are really trying to sell the whole "Jackson didn't get benched" angle. And S-Jax did slam the ball down pretty hard; maybe he did pull something. Either way he's on the report so Jackson owners best have Daryl Richardson on hand as a backup plan.

Posted: 9/19/2012 6:29pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Huddle Up: We'll obviously know more about Jackson's status later in the week, but for right now, the Rams are starting to prepare rookie Daryl Richardson for his first NFL start Sunday in Chicago.

Posted: 9/17/2012 11:16am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson left the Week 2 game against the Washington Redskins due to a groin injury, according to head coach Jeff Fisher. Jackson finished the game with nine carries for 58 yards. He did not have any receptions.

Huddle Up: Jackson apparently suffered the injury when his short-yardage touchdown was missed by the replacement officials, at which point he spiked the football and drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Jackson remained on the sidelines and was never seen receiving treatment for the injury; moreover, at the time of the incident the Rams said there was no injury-related reason for Jackson being held out of action. Add it all up and it's safe to assume that Jackson's "groin injury" will be miraculously healed this week and he'll be a safe fantasy play in Week 3.

Posted: 9/17/2012 12:25am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson left in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins and didn't return. He finished with 9 carries for 58 yards.

Huddle Up: It was believed that Jackson was benched after drawing an unsportsmanlike penalty for spiking the ball after game officials ruled he didn't score on a goalline carry. But later reports said that Jackson had strained either a groin muscle or hamstring and didn't return due to injury reasons. Seventh-round rookie Daryl Richardson (15-83) was solid in Jackson's stead, but look for further updates on Jackson's status in the coming days.

Posted: 8/29/2012 10:52am et

St. Louis Rams RB Daryl Richardson was originally expected to simply compete for a roster spot, but he is now pushing RB Isaiah Pead for the No. 2 job behind RB Steven Jackson. In fact, head coach Jeff Fisher indicated Tuesday, Aug. 28, that Pead and Richardson are both expected to see time in the backfield behind Jackson.

Huddle Up: Pead is still the handcuff to Jackson, but Richardson's emergence could mean that the Rams won't simply transition the backfield duties to Pead once Jackson's tank is empty.

Posted: 7/10/2012 2:05am et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson has 2,511 career touches, second among all active RBs behind only Thomas Jones' 3,003.

Huddle Up: Jones will probably announce his retirement soon, leaving S-Jax as the No. 1 mileage guy. Next in line are Willis McGahee (1,966), Frank Gore (1,940), and Maurice Jones-Drew (1,854).

Posted: 7/5/2012 6:00pm et

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson said he is happy the team hired an experienced coach like head coach Jeff Fisher because Fisher has a history of working with successful teams. 'It's very refreshing to have a coach that has that kind of resume and brings that kind of credibility. You can just feel it. It's quite a difference. I haven't felt this way since the 2004, 2005 years, where now it's more so 'when' is it going to turn around, not 'if' it's going to turn around,' Jackson said.

Huddle Up: Fisher likes a workhorse tailback too, as evidenced by Eddie George's eight seasons with 300+ total touches as a Titan. Unfortunately for Jackson, he's already logged four such seasons -- plus three other seasons with 297, 293, and 275 touches.