"We'll just take it day by day," Haslett said. "He looks better to me."

Jackson speculated Wednesday that it might be better to miss Sunday's game if there was a risk of aggravating the injury, or if it helped him get back to 100 percent for the following week. Haslett had no problem with that.

"It's got to be up to him whether he feels good enough, because I'm not in his body," Haslett said. "A guy breaks a finger, obviously they can play. If a running back hurts his legs, it's a little different."

Haslett said he'd err on the side of caution, and believes his playing background helps him empathize with injured players.

"Being in those shoes, I understand exactly what everybody's going through," Haslett said.

A trio of backs — Antonio Pittman, Travis Minor and Kenneth Darby — would fill in if Jackson isn't ready. Pittman, the backup much of last year, has missed the last three games with a broken bone in his left leg.

St. Louis Rams News News » Jackson, Carriker both in doubt for Rams
Jackson, Carriker both in doubt for Rams
ST. LOUIS (AP) - St. Louis running back Steven Jackson missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday because of a strained right thigh muscle, though the Rams remained hopeful their leading rusher and receiver would be ready for Sunday's game at New England. NFL Blitz Can't get enough NFL? We've got everything you need for Week 8. Check out the NFL Blitz, where we count down all the games from the worst to the best.