FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson has been ruled out for Monday's game against the New York Jets because of a hamstring injury, coach Mike Smith said Saturday.
Smith held out hope that Jackson might recover in time to suit up. But the veteran running back was simply an observer at practice throughout the entire week.
Jackson suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Atlanta's Week 2 win over the St. Louis Rams and hasn't practiced since. A league source previously told ESPN.com that Jackson wouldn't return until at least Week 7, when the Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Oct. 20).
The Falcons have a bye next week.
Jackson recently wrote an apology to fans on his personal blog and said he would not return until 100 percent healthy.
With Jackson sidelined, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling will carry the load out of Atlanta's backfield.
The Falcons previously ruled out middle linebacker Akeem Dent (ankle) and left tackle Sam Baker (knee). Omar Gaither will start for Dent, while Lamar Holmes replaces Baker.
