Holt keeps watchful, hopeful eye on Jackson's situation

ST. LOUIS -- Seven-time Pro Bowl receiver Torry Holt said Tuesday he is observing the St. Louis Rams' Steven Jackson holdout situation closely.

"I always watch how business is run," Holt said before practice at Rams Park. "It's my profession. I watch how things are run across the National Football League."

Holt was in a similar situation as Jackson in 2003, but he chose to come to training camp. He then got a new contract.

"We got some things done," Holt said. "Each situation is different. I can't tell him what he should do or shouldn't do. All I can do is wish him well."

Holt said he didn't hold out because he wanted to work, and teammates Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner counseled him.

"They gave me some advice on how to handle things," Holt said. "We were able to get something worked out. I'm glad I was able to put my ego aside and listen to those guys.

"They say if he comes in there's a better opportunity to get something done. But it's up to him, totally up to him. He's decided to take the stance he's taken, so we'll see how it goes."

Jackson remains a holdout entering the final year of his contract with no apparent movement to resolving the issue. Jackson is being fined $15,116 each day since camp began July 24.

Holt said he has spoken on the telephone with Jackson.

"I asked him how he was doing. He's doing well," Holt said. "He's working out and training and getting himself in position so when things happen, he'll come here and be ready to work. We're looking forward to getting him back as soon as possible."

With a new offensive coordinator in Al Saunders, Holt said there is a steep learning curve to the new system.

Without Jackson, the Rams' backups have shown some ability. Antonio Pittman, Travis Minor and Brian Leonard combined for 144 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown Saturday in a 7-6 win over San Diego.

"They're holding the fort down," Holt said.

The 32-year-old Holt, now in his 10th season, has been a prolific pass catcher. He has eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, needing one more to tie Tim Brown for the second-longest run in league history.

Since 2000, Holt's 11,076 yards receiving leads the NFL.

However, he feels like he needs to prove that his skills haven't eroded with time.

Holt led the Rams with 93 receptions, 1,189 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but it was a difficult year for him. The Rams had a 3-13 record and he struggled to manage a sore knee.

As much as the knee bothered Holt, the Rams' struggles for the past three years have bothered him more.

"It's been very frustrating. Everybody likes to win," Holt said.

This summer Holt has developed a minor back issue. He was held out of the second preseason game with San Diego because of the ailment. He said he may not play in Saturday's home game against the Baltimore Ravens.

"He's got a tight back," Rams coach Scott Linehan explained about Holt.

If he doesn't play in the preseason, Holt said he will be fine once the regular season begins Sept. 7 at Philadelphia.