Fantasy Football Week 1: How Steven Jackson's Injury Affects Sam Bradford

It didn't take long for Steven Jackson to get to the sideline this year.

The veteran running back has struggled with injuries and overuse in St. Louis since taking over as the starter in 2005, and now he's on the sideline in Week 1 of the season.

Cadillac Williams, his new backup, is already earning the money the Rams paid him this summer.

According to a tweet from ESPN's NFC East blog, Jackson isn't expected back in the game:

"

"Rams' Steven Jackson is on sidelines, in uniform, but he's got his hair up and no helmet on. Doesn't look as though he'll be back."

"

Jackson had two carries for 56 yards and one touchdown before the injury. Williams has seen the ball 20 times in his absence and is over 100 all-purpose yards.

The severity of the injury is still unknown, but it does bring up an intriguing question about Sam Bradford's fantasy value.

The second-year quarterback has a number of unproven weapons around him in the absence of Jackson.

If—and it is a very big if—Williams can stay healthy, the Rams will continue to use him the same way they use Jackson. The former Top 10 pick has incredible talent, but simply has not been able to stay healthy.

Until one of the young receivers around Sam Bradford steps up, the Rams will still have to rely heavily on the run game. There is a chance that Jackson comes back completely healthy in just a week's time, but if not, then Bradford's fantasy value will take a bit of hit.

Teams legitimately fear the versatility of Jackson; they won't do the same for Williams. Defenses will be able to key more on exactly what Bradford is doing rather than focusing on where Jackson is lined up.

If No. 39 isn't in the backfield for St. Louis, Bradford should not be anywhere near your fantasy football lineup.

LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.