Steven Jackson Injury: Updates on Falcons Star's Quad and Return

Steven Jackson left the Falcons' Week 16 game vs. New Orleans with a quad injury. He was initially expected to be ready for Week 17 following the injury, but was inactive.

Continue for updates.

---

Jackson Inactive for Week 17

Sunday, Dec. 28

Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com announced Jackson would not play in the team's regular-season finale:

"

FALCONS INACTIVES
QB 12 - Sean Renfree
S 30 - Charles Godfrey
CB 37 - Ricardo Allen
RB 39 - Steven Jackson
LB 54 - Tyler Starr
T 64 - Jonathan Scott
DE 90 - Stansly Maponga

"

On Friday, Adams confirmed Jackson was officially questionable:

---

Jackson Misses Practice, No Longer Expected to Play in Week 17

Thursday, Dec. 25

Jackson failed to practice today and his status is unclear for Sunday, announced D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Yesterday, ESPN's Vaughn McClure stated, "Think this was obvious with Mike Smith saying Jerome Smith would be active, but Steven Jackson (quad) now not expected to play Sunday."

---

Initial Diagnosis: Jackson Expected to Play in Week 17

Monday, Dec. 22

"The quad injury suffered by Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson during Sunday's 30-14 against the Saints is not believed to be serious, and Jackson should be back in the lineup for next week's NFC South showdown against Carolina," reported ESPN's Vaughn McClure.

Jackson has accumulated 707 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns this season. A notorious strong runner, Jackson is an important cog in the Falcons' offense as he can be leaned on grind out tough inside runs on short-yardage situations. With the Falcons fighting for a playoff berth Sunday, it's important the rushing attack is as healthy as possible. 

---

Jackson Ruled Out for Remainder of Week 16 

Sunday, Dec. 21

Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com confirmed Jackson would not return to the game after originally being listed as questionable to return following the injury.

Last year, Jackson missed four games due to a right hamstring injury, and then this year in camp he again was forced out of action with a left hamstring injury. Now, the Atlanta Falcons running back faces a third stint on the sidelines after being signed a season ago to spearhead the team's rushing attack.

It's been rough sledding for Jackson since joining Atlanta. Last year he rushed for just 543 yards and six touchdowns, just the second time in his 10-year career he's failed to reach 1,000 yards on the ground (the only other time he failed to reach that number was in his 2004 rookie season). His 3.5 yards per carry were a career low.