EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- It had been a while for Steven Jackson. The newly-acquired Patriots running back saw game action for the first time this season on Sunday, exactly one year since he had last played in an NFL game, during New England's 26-20 loss to the Jets.
His numbers were underwhelming -- he ran seven times for 15 yards -- but he said the game was a good opportunity for him to get re-accustomed to playing football. Whereas most players at this point in the season have been getting hit since training camp, Jackson hadn't been tackled since he played in Week 16 of last season for the Falcons.
"The body feels good," Jackson said. "Get used to getting hit again, that was the main thing. Make sure I'm running through the tackles, getting my shoulder pads down, and being in football position, which I haven't been in a while. It felt good. Now it's just build off what I've done today."
Jackson's first snap with the Patriots came about one minute into the second quarter with the Patriots facing a second-and-4 situation from their own 20-yard line, and it provided a glimpse of what the Patriots are very likely hoping they can get out of him during the playoffs.
Jackson took a handoff from Tom Brady and headed for the gap between right guard Tre' Jackson and right tackle Marcus Cannon. He was hit about one yard beyond the line of scrimmage but fought through the contact to pick up five yards total and a first down.
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Jackson could fill the team's "big" back role once manned by LeGarrette Blount, who has been placed on season-ending injured reserve with a hip injury. Jackson, 32, saw one third of the team's 21 carries against the Jets, which was second only to fellow running back Brandon Bolden, who ran nine times for 30 yards.