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Steven Jackson is happy to be a Patriot. And according to the Sports Xchange, the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick are happy to have the former three-time Pro Bowl running back and eight-time 1,000-yard rusher.

But neither side really knows what to expect in the coming weeks as the former St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons star returns to the field after sitting out since his release from Atlanta last winter.

"I think his career speaks for itself. We'll see where it goes," Belichick responded when asked about Jackson, who joins a New England team that lost Dion Lewis (ACL) and LeGarrette Blount (hip) to injured reserve.

Jackson, who hasn't played in the postseason since his rookie year with the Rams in 2004, isn't looking to roll into Foxboro and steal the show.

"They're already a championship team. They just needed some depth to the chart," Jackson said.

As noted in this week's Team Notes, Jackson actually has some experience in the New England system from his time playing for current Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, when the assistant had the same role with St. Louis in 2011.

For now, Jackson just hopes to fit in and be ready when his No. 39 in New England is called upon, starting as early as this Sunday in New York against the Jets. Jackson stayed in shape by jogging and working out, and now is at work behind the scenes at Gillette Stadium.

Fantasy owners shouldn't expect anything other than further clouding of an already cloudy situation in which James White has emerged as the most viable play. Jackson's presence doesn't change that.