Rodgers isn't sure what his role is at this time

Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith said last February that Jacquizz Rodgers had the ability to be a three-down back in the NFL.

Then the Falcons went out and signed Steven Jackson, only one of the game's most durable and productive three-down backs of the last decade.

When he was sharing the workload with Michael Turner, Rodgers had a defined role as a change-of-pace back who stayed on the field in passing situations. Things are more hazy with Jackson, who, like Rodgers, possesses a versatile skill set. Jackson generally was good for about 40 receptions per season during his time with the St. Louis Rams. He had 90 catches during his bananas 2006 season.

Rodgers isn't sure what his role is at this time, but he says he'll be ready.

"When I get in the game, I'm going to try to make my plays and try to get my number called more often," Rodgers said during last week's minicamp. "I'll try to make every carry and every catch count."

Jackson turns 30 in July and has more than 10,000 yards on his ledger, numbers that tell us Rodgers is going to get some opportunities. It's a Super Bowl-or-bust season in Atlanta, and the Falcons want to try to keep Jackson fresh into February. Rodgers will play a big part toward that goal.

Falcons backup running back Jacquizz Rodgers is not sure how the carries will be split with the addition of free-agent signee Steven Jackson.

Last season, Michael Turner handled 66.4 percent of the carries by Falcons running backs (222 of 334 carries). Rodgers had 28.4 percent (94 carries) and Jason Snelling had 5.2 percent (18 carries).

Jackson had 70.4 percent of the St. Louis Rams carries (257 of 365) by a running back in 2012.

“When I get in the game, I’m going to try to make my plays and try to get my number called more often,’ Rodgers said after last Tuesday’s minicamp practice. “I’ll try to make every carry and every catch count.”

The Falcons have big plans for Jackson, who signed a three-year, $12 million deal ($4 million guaranteed). He received a $3.5 million signing bonus and has base salaries are $1.75 million (2013), $3 million (2014) and $3.75 million (2015).

The Falcons view both backs as three-down running backs, who don’t necessarily have to leave the field in obvious passing situations. One of the few knocks on Turner was his inability to catch passes.

“That helps a lot because we can keep the defense on their toes,” Rodgers said. “When we are in the game, we can also pass. That will help because the defense won’t know what’s coming.”

Rodgers, who’s set to enter his third year in the league, plans to learn as much as he can from Jackson.

“It’s always good to have an older guy around,” Rodgers said. “You can watch how they carry themselves. He’s a guy who’s had success in the league for a long time. So, you just watch the little things that he does in practice, the way he works and tries to get better and better each day. That helps the young guys, like me, out.”

While Rodgers is picking up tips from Jackson, he’s also doing his part to help Jackson learn the playbook.

“Since he doesn’t know the playbook as well right now, he’ll ask me questions and I’ll help him out with it,” Rodgers said. “Our playbook is so (thick).  … I help him out when I can.”

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