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Following up on an item in this week's Team Notes. ... The uncertainty of running back Steven Jackson coming off a quad injury forced the Falcons to reshuffle their roster on Wednesday.

The team promoted running back Jerome Smith to the active roster, Smith's agent, David Canter told ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure. It gives the Falcons a little added insurance at the position after already losing Antone Smith (broken leg) for the season.

According to McClure, the initial word was Jackson's injury wasn't too serious, but he had an MRI on Tuesday.

Still, Jackson, who left the Week 16 win at New Orleans with a quad injury, was unable to practice Wednesday as the Falcons continued preparing to host Carolina on Sunday with the NFC South title at stake.

If Jackson is unavailable to go Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the onus falls on rookie Devonta Freeman and Jacquizz Rodgers to carry the load out of the backfield. It's unclear whether Smith will be active.

To make room for Smith on the 53-man roster, the Falcons released veteran linebacker James Anderson

Also. ... Julio Jones did not practice Wednesday as he continues to nurse his oblique injury. As CBSSports.com notes, Jones is fully expected to play Sunday against Carolina after catching seven passes for 107 yards in the win at New Orleans, but I'll continue to follow up.

The same goes for Roddy White (ankle), who also took Wednesday off. Harry Douglas (foot) worked fully.

Kicker Matt Bryant was held out Wednesday due to illness; he should be fine by Sunday.