With Steven Jackson not participating in OTAs, Kenneth Darby and Chris Ogbonnaya are the first two backs getting carries for the Rams. Given that Darby has shown very little in his time in St. Louis, some might figure Ogbonnaya to be the favorite in the battle to be Jackson's backup, but Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo isn't offering a major endorsement. The coach was asked if Ogbonnaya had the ability to be a No. 2 back, and said, “Well, they should all think that way. Any back that comes in here should be competing for that, so we’ll wait and see what happens.”
The Globe-Democrat article said the Rams remain on the lookout for running backs, and that the Rams feel Jackson's backup is not currently on the roster. Fantasy owners need to keep tabs on this situation, because Jackson will be a first round pick in many leagues. In the past, handcuffing Jackson made little sense, because his backups have been so bad, but if they bring in an adequate reserve or Ogbonnaya proves worthy, owners should feel free to target Jackson's backup.