The Facts: Jackson was a topic of conversation when HC Mike Smith addressed the media at the NFL combine on Thursday. While Smith didn’t come out and declare Jackson his starting running back for next season, the coach did appear to give Jackson a subtle vote of confidence while nudging the offensive line. "Steven Jackson, unfortunately, was injured in the second game of the season (hamstring). I don’t think we really got a chance to see what Steven is capable of doing until the last three or four games," Smith said. "I think he scored all six of his touchdowns in those last four ball games."

Diehards Line: Smith continued: "We have to improve our running game, and it starts with winning the line of scrimmage. That is an area that will be an emphasis point for us; not only to be able to run the football but to protect our quarterback. ..." As ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure suggests, the Falcons seem willing to see how Jackson will perform when healthy and running behind a better offensive line. He averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry on 157 attempts in 2013 as the Falcons finished last in the league in rushing. Jackson, who turns 31 in July, is signed through 2015 and is scheduled to count $4,166,666 against the cap in '14.