It's part of the plan to get him back on the field on game day.

After some light leg work with weights and spending time in the pool to improve range of motion, Jackson was optimistic he'd be ready for Sunday's game at New England.

"No need to rush," he said. "We have until Sunday to make a game-time decision. But if I could tell anybody, and if my fans are concerned, it's definitely going in the right direction."

The Rams' best blocker will definitely be back. Offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who missed last week's 34-14 upset over the Cowboys with a right quadriceps injury, was a full participant in practice and coach Jim Haslett said the seven-time Pro Bowler would start.

"Everything is good," Pace said. "I went through the whole practice and felt pretty good."

Jackson has been a big part of the Rams' resurgence under Haslett, helping St. Louis win two straight after an 0-4 start. He had 160 yards on 25 carries and three touchdowns against the Cowboys and 79 yards the previous week at Washington, and leads St. Louis in rushing (508 yards, 4.2 average) and receiving (25 receptions, 10.4 average).

He was hurt in the fourth quarter against Dallas, right before Haslett was set to take him out. An MRI on Monday revealed a slightly strained quadriceps.

When he hobbled off the field after planting his right leg awkwardly, Jackson and team doctors had been concerned it may be something serious.