ESPN NFC West Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Jackson

A few things to consider when assessing Steven Jackson's expected arrival at Rams camp following a protracted holdout:

• Jackson is not eligible to practice until the Rams remove him from the reserve/did not report list.
• Jackson is not counting against the 80-man roster limit while he remains on the reserve/did not report list.
• The Rams might be eligible to receive a 10-day roster exemption, allowing Jackson to practice (but not play in games). Jackson would not count against the 80-man limit during this time. I base the 10-day estimate on precedent set in the Larry Johnson holdout last summer. Johnson went on the exempt list Aug. 21 and was eligible to stay there until Aug. 31. I'm in the process of confirming the exemption status. Update: The NFL has clarified how roster rules apply to Jackson.
• Jackson is under contract, but he would need to pass a physical examination before joining the team for practices.
• The Rams have 80 players on their active roster after signing running back Lavarius Giles, a rookie free agent from Jackson State.
• The Rams would have to open a roster spot before Jackson can count against the 80-man limit; this could be easy because the team is expected to place additional players on injured reserve, notably Mark Setterstrom and Justin King;
• Jackson's arrival at camp signals a likely agreement on a long-term contract extension, but I have no details on any agreement.

This is a fluid situation and we're still gathering details. On the surface, it's a very promising development for the Rams. But restraint is advised until we know more and until a long-term agreement is in place.