Jackson Excited To Have Gonzalez Back At Practice

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – Steven Jackson is even more excited about the potential of the Atlanta Falcons’ offense now that tight end Tony Gonzalez is back at practice,

Jackson signed a three-year, free-agent contract as the NFL’s active leading rusher in March for a myriad of reasons.

But chief among them was the chance to play alongside Gonzalez, the league’s No. 2 career leading receiver behind Jerry Rice.

Jackson said earlier this year that he always heard how intensely Gonzalez, a 17th-year veteran, works in practice, later adding that it was impressive to watch in person.

Jackson arrived in Atlanta with a reputation for practicing hard and smart. He says it’s the best way to “put together a winning season,” after spending the last nine years with St. Louis and never finishing about .500.