Steven Jackson Is a FA in 2013, Amendola Hurts Clavicle and More NFC West News

Yesterday offered up its fair share of ups and downs for the Rams. Hours before last night's game, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com reported that Steven Jackson and the Rams agreed to void the final year of his current contract. The contract was scheduled to run through 2013. Jackson would have made $7 million in 2013.

Previously, the only way the final year could be voided was if Jackson were to hit escalators in his contract. But St. Louis feels that this year could be the end to a truly remarkable run for the 29 year old running back. Returning to the club isn't out of the question for SJ39, but I wouldn't count on it. Even though he has ran for 1,000 yards seven year in a row, we all know he's not the same player he once was.

Fortunately for all parties involved, it didn't prove to be a distraction. Jackson rushed for 76 yards and led the team to a 17-3 victory on Thursday Night Football. 

However, good news is usually overshadowed by much worse news. It is expected that wide receiver Danny Amendola will miss a significant amount of time with an injured clavicle. Pro Football Talk first reported late last night that Amendola did indeed break his collarbone, yet that report proved to be untrue after further testing. 

Rams general manager Les Snead told ESPN that Amendola's collar bone was not broken and that he will undergo even more evaluation today. Some are speculating that it could be a sprained AC Joint or a separated shoulder. Only time will tell, but we should have a better idea sometime this afternoon.

With that, let's take a look at the rest of the news around the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals

Mike Sando of ESPN.com asked, where was Darnell Dockett last night? 

Chris Trapasso of Bleacher Report says the offensive line was to blame for last night's debacle, not Kevin Kolb. 

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco Chronicle took a look at the Bills defense in preparation for this week's matchup. 

Dan Mori of Bleacher Report grades the 49ers positional units after the first four games.

Seattle Seahawks

The Washington Post ran an Associated Press article that broke down Seattle's nightmarish third downs on offense and defense. 

Todd Pheifer of Bleacher Report writes that the Seahawks need to find offensive balance this weekend. 

St. Louis Rams 

Dennis Dillon of SI.com states the young Rams' are on the verge of something big under Coach Fisher.

James Dudko of Bleacher Report looks at St. Louis defense and says the have gotten back to the basics under Jeff Fisher. 

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