Jackson closes in on Rams record

ST. LOUIS -- Steven Jackson said he's completely healed from a nagging injury that hampered him the last two games.

That should make the final stages of his quest to become the St. Louis Rams' career leading rusher more comfortable.

Jackson passed former NFL MVP Marshall Faulk for second place two weeks ago, and he needs 141 yards to top Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson's total of 7,245 yards from 1983 to 1987. The record could be his with a big game at home Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Unlike last week, when Jackson knew exactly how many yards he needed, he only was certain Thursday that he was getting close and that he wanted to eclipse Dickerson in a victory.

"I would like to break the record as soon as possible," Jackson said. "I think it would be special to do it at home. The thing I'm focused on is helping lead this young team to a win."

To that end, he's prepared for a heavy workload that would take pressure off rookie quarterback Sam Bradford.

Jackson wore extra padding two weeks ago but shed that protection last week.

Though short of his best, the 235-pound Jackson had 114 yards rushing at Detroit last week.

Coaches say Jackson has looked more like himself with longer strides and better cuts this week in practice, clearly recovering from a strained groin.

The Chargers expect a handful.

"Obviously, he breaks a lot of tackles," San Diego coach Norv Turner said. "He's a very powerful and elusive guy. I've been lucky to be around some great runners and he's like a lot of the guys I've been around."

Jackson long has been an admirer of Dickerson, who also was a big back at 6-3 and 220 pounds and starred for the Colts during an 11-year career. Dickerson is sixth on the career rushing list with 13,295 yards and scored 90 touchdowns.