rams expect jackson to carry "full load"; Pace declares himself healthy

[general counsel]

Article about the rams on nfl.com just went up. Someone please post it.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

[Cweezy172]

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Posted: 2 hours 11 minutes ago
Rams expect to give Jackson full load in opener

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan expects Steven Jackson, who ended a 27-day holdout Aug. 20, to carry a full load in the season opener.
Dilip Vishwanat / Getty ImagesCoach Scott Linehan is confident that Steven Jackson is ready.
"He's ready to go," Linehan said Wednesday. "He's gotten in two weeks of real solid conditioning along with the reps. We're going to play him like we always do. He looks like his same old self to me."
Jackson will be running behind a line led by seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who said he hasn't felt this healthy since before last season's opener. Pace had a season-ending shoulder injury in the first game last season and missed the final two preseason games with a biceps tendon strain in the surgically repaired shoulder. He has taken all the snaps this week.
Linehan said Pace probably could have played in the preseason finale last Thursday at Kansas City, but he held out all the regulars except for center Nick Leckey. He noted that Pace had a "productive, grueling training camp."
"Everything's good and ready to go," Pace said. "I just can't wait to get back out there. It's been a long trek back."
Jackson got a lot of extra work after signing a six-year, $44 million contract, and Linehan said last week served as a "semi-boot camp" for the running back coming off his third straight 1,000-yard season despite missing four games with injuries. This week, Jackson is on the same schedule as the rest of the roster.
Jackson said he would speak to reporters on Thursday, which has been his practice in past seasons.
The lone player to miss practice Wednesday was rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery (knee), the second-round pick. Center Brett Romberg (broken hand) was limited, while cornerback Fakhir Brown (shoulder) and running back Brian Leonard (shoulder) each were full participants.
Linehan said Brown is nearly ready after being injured early in training camp.
"We're pretty healthy, probably as healthy as we'll be all year," Linehan said. "Probably everybody in the league feels the same way."

[Mooselini]

Great news. I hope that Pace stays healthy throughout the season. I hope Jackson does a great job also. AH im so excited.

[CaliGirlRamsFan]

That is truely great news!

[Guam rammer]

Oh man I really need to lay off the salt and stop eating all this island food. All this excitement kinda hurts. RAMS BABY!!!

[TekeRam]

Good about Pace... he can't get hurt 3 season in a row can he? What I'm worried about is Avery, though. The Eagles have three very good corners and will be able to keep up in man coverage through their nickel defense. However, if Avery can play strong then we can have more 4 WR sets which should let someone get open.

And of course Jax would have to love running against dime package guys. Get past the first 4 and then its punishment time baby!

[shower beers]

Great news. Excited for the start of the new season. It's finally here!

[eldfan]

"We're pretty healthy, probably as healthy as we'll be all year," Linehan said. "Probably everybody in the league feels the same way."

Well we have all the key spot ready to go I am ready

[RealRam]

Rams expect Jackson to carry "full load"; Pace declares himself healthy.

May this health, readiness, and strength status be spread among each / every player in the team!

[CaliGirlRamsFan]

Rams expect Jackson to carry "full load"; Pace declares himself healthy.

May this health, readiness, and strength status be spread among each / every player in the team!

I, (CALI), approve of this message.

[RammieGirl]

Geez, I pray that we stay healthy, we deserve that much. We've been injury plagued long enough. I'm tired of sports writers, commentators and other players showing the RAMS absolutely no respect whatsoever time and time again. This year will be different and EVERY ONE of them will have a newfound respect for this team. GOOOO RAMS!!!! Is it Sunday yet?????????????