The Rams have walked back from earlier reports that Steven Jackson (bruised thigh) was likely to play in week 8 against the Patriots. He's now in day-to-day limbo and has yet to practice with the team this week. According to the Rams official site, Jackson is unlikely to practice again today. Instead, he'll do some "light individual work" and a walkthrough with the big test to come Friday.

Obviously, our hopes are that Jackson returns for the New England game, but bringing him back too soon and risking his season doesn't outweigh the immediate need. The Patriots biggest weakness is their pass defense, but they are allowing 117 yards per game on the ground, 19th in the league. Either way, it'll take a balanced attack to beat them. Without Jackson, the Rams will go with a committee consisting of Travis Minor, Antonio Pittman, and the just added Kenneth Darby. Pittman's speed is intriguing, and if he's in there, sprinkling in a couple of plays, like a reverse, to take advantage of that speed might result in some big gains...worked for the Dolphins.

There is some good injury related news. LT Orlando Pace practiced yesterday and will play against the Patriots. Awesome. Giving Marc Bulger time to pick apart the Patriots secondary, like they did against Dallas last week, will be key. The Pats did manage to keep the Donkeys from completing any passes longer than 20 yards, but Denver WRs Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall did combine for 15 catches and 148 yards. TE Daniel Graham scored their lone TD. The week before, on the other hand, saw San Diego pass for 300+ yards and 3 scores, so who knows which Patriots pass defense we'll see this week. We do know it'll be without team leader S Rodeny Harrison.

DT Adam Carriker probably will miss the game this week.

Don't forget about our ongoing QnA with SBN brother site, Pats Pulpit.