The St. Louis Rams reported that running back Steven Jackson practiced today...a little. Jackson took a few reps with the team in today's practice. However, he is still viewed as a game time decision.
Cadillac Williams, Jackson's primary backup, did not practice today. He is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Ravens, but Quinn Porter took some reps with the first team offense today just in case. Baltimore's front seven is one of the toughest in the league, year in and year out. According to Football Outsiders, they were the fifth best this year and the second best through two games this year. Despite the tough running environment, the Rams could use the extra dimension to their offense.
Outside linebacker Ben Leber returned to practice today, but was limited in his work with the first team. Ray Rice is a tough enough matchup for a Rams defense struggling against the run; facing Rice without Leber would make that task even more difficult.
Back to Jackson, who would really like to get a shot at the Ravens defense. Here's what he said about that today:
This is a defense that any running back would love to compete against and measure yourself against. It's a great defense and we have a lot of respect for them. They present difficult challenges on each level. They have playmakers all over the field.
The Rams could sure use him this week.