The uncertainty of running back Steven Jackson coming off a quad injury forced the Atlanta Falcons to reshuffle their roster on Wednesday.
The team promoted running back Jerome Smith to the active roster, according to Smith's agent, David Canter. It gives the Falcons a little added insurance at the position after already losing Antone Smith (broken leg) for the season.
The initial word was Jackson's injury wasn't too serious, but he had an MRI on Tuesday. His status is unknown as this point with the Falcons set to return to practice Wednesday afternoon.
If Jackson is unavailable to go Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the onus falls on rookie Devonta Freeman and Jacquizz Rodgers to carry the load out of the backfield. It's unclear whether Smith will be active.
To make room for Smith on the 53-man roster, the Falcons released veteran linebacker James Anderson. Safety Brandan Bishop out of North Carolina State is expected to sign to the practice squad and fill the void left by Smith.
The Falcons already made a few roster move on Tuesday when they placed starting strong safety William Moore on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Safety Sean Baker was promoted from the practice squad, and the Falcons signed running back Ronnie Wingo to the practice squad. Moore became the 10th player to be placed on IR, joining cornerback Robert Alford (wrist), linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (Achilles) and Marquis Spruill (ACL), offensive linemen Sam Baker (knee), Joe Hawley (ACL), Peter Konz (ACL), Lamar Holmes (foot), and Mike Johnson (Lisfranc), and Antone Smith.
