There was plenty of controversy surrounding Steven Jackson's departure last Sunday, with the running back sitting for the remainder of the game after spiking a ball near the goal line in the second quarter. As it turned out, Jackson was injured and is dealing with a hurt groin.
Jackson looked like he might miss action, but Stacey Dales of the NFL Network flipped on an earlier report and said Jackson will play on Sunday against the Bears.
Just confirmed - Steven Jackson WILL play - after testing out groin on field - true gametime decision!
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) September 23, 2012
It wouldn't have been surprising to see Jackson sit, given that St. Louis has the Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, the Seahawks in seven days at Edwards Jones Dome and then the Cardinals at home the following Thursday. The Bears game is critical, but there's no question that having Jackson healthy and ready to roll for the two divisional games is a priority.
It's still likely that rookie Daryl Richardson will get a lot of carries on Sunday. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reported on Fantasy Football Today that he doesn't expect a big role, if any, for Jackson on Sunday.
Our @jasonlacanfora doesn't expect Steven Jackson to play a big role, if any. Daryl Richardson an OK replacement vs. The Bears.
— Dave Richard (@daverichard) September 23, 2012
Richardson carried the ball 15 times for 83 yards filling in for Jackson last week. He'll see a much tougher test this week against Chicago, but if he puts forth an effort similar to last week, it'll go a long way toward helping St. Louis potentially upend Chicago on the road.
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