Jacquizz Rodgers vs. Jason Snelling: Fantasy Outlook After Steven Jackson Injury

Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson has exited the game against the St. Louis Rams in the first quarter due to a thigh injury. According to the franchise’s official Twitter feed, his return is questionable.

Jackson had caught a touchdown pass before heading to the locker room, and now the Falcons will have to rely on backups Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling in his absence.

UPDATE: Sunday, Sept. 15, at 4:36 p.m. ET by Joseph Zucker

Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling combined to have 36 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in the Atlanta Falcons' 31-24 win over the St. Louis Rams.

Snelling only carried the ball twice for 13 yards, one of which went 11 yards for a touchdown. Rodgers ran for 17 yards on his 11 carries. Both were effective through the air, with Snelling catching four passes for 41 yards and Rodgers getting 28 yards on four receptions.

Just how the Falcons work around the Steven Jackson injury will be interesting to see. Neither of their two replacements did much to inspire much confidence from Atlanta fans.

---End of update---

Fantasy owners who have yet to handcuff S-Jax should look to add Rodgers if the injury turns out to be a serious one.

Expect head coach Mike Smith to trust Rodgers as the primary option for as long as Jackson is out, as he was being utilized as a change-of-pace back prior to the injury.

Unfortunately for current fantasy owners, Rodgers’ sole carry of the game—as of the first quarter—went for zero yards.  

Rodgers' weak production may be worrisome to some, as he only had two carries for negative-one yard in the season-opener against the New Orleans Saints, but he should improve upon those numbers with more reps.

Snelling is utilized more as a fullback but is a decent pass-catcher. He has two receptions for 17 yards on the season. He is a mediocre option in very deep PPR leagues, but owners should look elsewhere before putting in a claim on the waiver wire.