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When Steven Jackson went down in Week 2, I think most of us assumed he would return by Week 7. That would give him more than a month, plus a Falcons bye week, to get right and rejoin the team. Maybe pump the brakes on that.
Mike Smith yesterday refused to update reporters on whether Jackson will practice this week. Not return to action, mind you, but practice.
No update from Mike Smith Monday on whether Steven Jackson (hamstring) will practice this week.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) October 14, 2013
That doesn't bode well. Jackson doesn't necessarily have to practice to return to action, but chances are he'd be on the practice field if he was coming back. The lack of comment could be construed as an attempt to gain a competitive advantage over the raging dumpster fire that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or it could be a sign that Jackson isn't returning. Again.
Given the lack of full practices during the bye week, I do think this is noteworthy. Let's hope Jackson is returning this week or will be recovering enough to come back in Week 8, at least.