Falcons' Steven Jackson Reaches 11,000 Career Rushing Yards

Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson gained 60 yards on 18 carries in Sunday's 22-21 loss to the Detroit Lions to become the 19th player in NFL history with 11,000 or more career rushing yards.

Though Jackson entered the contest at Wembley Stadium with 10,966 rushing yards, reaching the milestone mark was no sure thing, as he hadn't topped 54 yards in a game this season.

Coming off performances of 25 rushing yards against the Chicago Bears and a mere 22 against the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson surprisingly recorded his highest output of the season in a matchup with arguably the NFL's best run-defending team.

He only managed 3.3 yards per carry against the stiff Lions defense, but with the Falcons jumping out to a 21-0 lead, Jackson got a season-high 18 carries, easily eclipsing his previous best of 14.

While still the Falcons starter, Jackson has shared playing time with Antone Smith, Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman, a trio that has combined for 68 carries and 44 receptions.

Jackson has 95 carries and 10 receptions, accounting for 48.4 percent of the touches that have gone to Atlanta's four running backs.

Always a load to bring down, the 31-year-old former St. Louis Ram was signed before last season with the expectation that he'd pile up carries while protecting leads in the second half.

Instead, the Falcons have gone just 6-18 over the last two seasons, while Jackson has managed just 3.5 yards per carry in an Atlanta uniform.

The ascent is perhaps going somewhat slower than expected, but Jackson still figures to move up the all-time rushing list from his current position of 19th place.

Sitting at 11,026 yards, he needs just 211 more to pass 18th-place O.J. Simpson (11,236) and 216 more to pass 17th-place Corey Dillon (11,241). Also within reach this season are 16th-place John Riggins (11,352) and, to a lesser extent, 15th-place Fred Taylor (11,695).

All stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.