Jackson holding out of camp: Rams RB Steven Jackson, entering the final year of his contract, was a no-show for the opening team meeting of training camp Friday. Coach Scott Linehan said Thursday after the team arrived at its new training site in suburban Milwaukee that Jackson had told him he would not be on the team charter flight from St. Louis. The coach apparently was unaware that Jackson didn't make his own arrangements, either. Linehan also said Thursday that getting a contract extension for Jackson was a "priority." The team has been in contact with Jackson's agent. "I know within the last couple days there has been dialogue," Linehan said Thursday. "Our hope is that will be done pretty soon." Jackson was considered a holdout after missing the meeting Friday morning, the team said on its Web site. Jackson is in the final season of a five-year contract he signed after the Rams drafted him in the first round in 2004. He has had three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons after totaling 1,002 last year despite injuries that sidelined him for four games. (Updated 07/25/2008).
Injury Report
Ankle - Probable for the start of training camp (Updated - 5/27/08)
Fantasy Analysis
It appears Jackson is going to make a stand in an effort to get a new contract. Hopefully this will get resolved soon, but we like the idea of Jackson playing in the final year of his deal. Keep an eye on what develops, but still draft Jackson as a No. 1 Fantasy option and take him with a first-round pick in all leagues. (Updated 07/25/2008).
RB Steven Jackson almost sounds as though he realizes a new contract won't happen before the start of the season. In a recent interview with Yahoo!'s Michael Silver, Jackson talked about the importance of the upcoming season for the entire organization, including coach Scott Linehan. "It's a one-year bid for everybody," Jackson said. "It could be Scott's last year, and my last year, and even the franchise is in jeopardy -- the team could get sold and leave St. Louis. There's a lot riding on this year, and we all know that. Just as much as the Rams need me, I need them." Then, most recently, Jackson talked again about the situation while in Oregon helping out at Browns quarterback Derek Anderson's youth camp. Asked about the prospect of entering the final year of his contract, Jackson told the Portland Tribune, "A contract year is big for anyone, but especially for the last year of a rookie deal. I'm looking to have a great year and lengthen my career with St. Louis. Hopefully, I'll retire as a Ram. "But it all comes down to performance, and then negotiations. I think it will happen. The Rams have been good to me. I don't see any reason why I wouldn't be there (next year)." 07/12/2008
No information available at this time.
Jackson holding out of camp: Rams RB Steven Jackson, entering the final year of his contract, was a no-show for the opening team meeting of training camp Friday. Coach Scott Linehan said Thursday after the team arrived at its new training site in suburban Milwaukee that Jackson had told him he would not be on the team charter flight from St. Louis. The coach apparently was unaware that Jackson didn't make his own arrangements, either. Linehan also said Thursday that getting a contract extension for Jackson was a "priority." The team has been in contact with Jackson's agent. "I know within the last couple days there has been dialogue," Linehan said Thursday. "Our hope is that will be done pretty soon." Jackson was considered a holdout after missing the meeting Friday morning, the team said on its Web site. Jackson is in the final season of a five-year contract he signed after the Rams drafted him in the first round in 2004. He has had three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons after totaling 1,002 last year despite injuries that sidelined him for four games. (Updated 07/25/2008).
Injury Report
Ankle - Probable for the start of training camp (Updated - 5/27/08)
Fantasy Analysis
It appears Jackson is going to make a stand in an effort to get a new contract. Hopefully this will get resolved soon, but we like the idea of Jackson playing in the final year of his deal. Keep an eye on what develops, but still draft Jackson as a No. 1 Fantasy option and take him with a first-round pick in all leagues. (Updated 07/25/2008).
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, entering the final year of his contract,
was a no-show for the opening team meeting of training camp on Friday.
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