Jackson did some individual work before practice in St. Louis, but he did not work out with the Rams (2-4) as they prepared for the Patriots (4-2). Jackson, the Rams' leading rusher and receiver, has a strained right thigh muscle.

Jackson, first in the NFL averaging 127.8 yards from scrimmage per game, is a big part of the St. Louis offense.

"He had some limited reps today," Haslett said. "He doesn't need a lot of reps because he knows everything. I'll be honest with you, I think it'll be 50-50 (if he plays)."

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. Minor plays mostly on special teams. The Rams recently signed Darby off the Atlanta practice squad.

Pittman was hurt in the third game against the Seahawks and has been inactive since. He said he has not been told his role against the Patriots.

St. Louis Rams News News » Jackson will be game-time decision for Rams
Jackson will be game-time decision for Rams
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Running back Steven Jackson's availability for Sunday's game at New England will be a game-time decision, St. Louis Rams coach Jim Haslett said Friday. 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.