Steven Jackson: Groin Injury Enough for Fantasy Owners to Sit RB in Week 3

Despite his talent, Steven Jackson will not lead to you to a fantasy football victory in Week 3 of the NFL season. 

The starting running back of the St. Louis Rams was off to a great start in Week 2 against the Washington Redskins. He carried the ball nine times for 58 yards in the first half, including a 20-yard burst to get his team into the red zone.

Unfortunately, his fortunes changed midway through the second quarter. On 3rd-and-goal from the one-yard line, Jackson was ruled short of the goal line. The veteran then spiked the ball out of anger and received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty. 

Jackson did not step on the field for the remainder of the game.

This was initially believed to be a disciplinary reason after a team spokesman said that he was healthy on the sidelines, according to the Washington Post. However, it was later released that the running back was suffering from a groin injury.

According to ESPN Radio's Tony Softli, the injury might hold him out even longer. He tweeted:

"

Rams Steven Jackson DNP today and Coach Fisher said his running back is day to day

— Tony Softli (@SoftliSTL) September 19, 2012"

It is unlikely coach Jeff Fischer would force a player to miss a practice as a punishment. Therefore, it is obvious he will not be completely healthy on Sunday even if he is ready to play.

What makes matters worse for Jackson is how successful Daryl Richardson was in his absence. The seventh-round pick out of Abilene Christian had 102 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches against the Redskins as the team came back from down 21-6 to win the game.

The youngster proved that the team does not need Jackson to be victorious, so he will likely spend more time on the bench if he is not 100 percent.

Regardless of who starts at running back for the Rams, it will be an uphill battle against the Chicago Bears. The veteran defense is ninth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed this year and was in the top five in the category in 2011.

Fantasy owners would be smart to avoid either player this week and keep Jackson on the bench for a better day.

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