Steven Jackson could face diminished workload vs. Packers

For the second week in a row, the St. Louis Rams are looking at a split backfield. Three-time Pro Bowler Steven Jackson is all but recovered from a groin injury but is still expected to split carries with backup Daryl Richardson. As Yahoo!'s Andy Behrens writes, Jackson and Richardson split carries last week and it worked well enough against the Miami Dolphins that the Rams are expected to stick to the two back system for at least this week's match up with the Green Bay Packers:

"Richardson was basically used in a straight rotation with S-Jax. The game's first carry went to Jackson, the second to Richardson -- and the rookie exploded down the sideline for a 44-yard gain. When Richardson gets the ball outside the numbers, he's a dangerous man, an ideal complementary back for the Rams."

Jackson gained 52 yards on 12 carries against the Dolphins while Richardson ran for 76 yards on 11 carries, including a 44 yard run. It's the first time since Marshall Faulk retired that Jackson has split carries with another back, though head coach Jeff Fisher hasn't given any indication how long the Rams will go with this split backfield. One person who should benefit is Sam Bradford, who looks to now have another viable weapon to give the ball to.

From a fantasy perspective, 52 yards on 12 carries signals that Jackson is still productive. Owners shouldn't think about trading him at the moment, but maybe look to add Richardson and handcuff the two. According to ESPN, Richardson is only owned in ten percent of leagues, so he should be available on most waiver wires.

Kickoff for Rams-Packers is slated for a Sunday Noon kickoff from the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.