ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons have released running back Steven Jackson, who in two seasons with the team couldn't recapture his 1,000-yard form that made him one of the league's top backs with the Rams.

Thursday's release of the 31-year-old Jackson was not a surprise. He led the team with 707 yards rushing and six touchdowns in 2014, but averaged only 3.7 yards per carry. In 2013, his first season with the Falcons, he had 543 yards rushing in 12 games.

Jackson was a first-round pick by the Rams in 2004. He had a streak of eight straight seasons of more than 1,000 yards rushing, including career-high totals of 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2006.

Jackson has had at least 20 catches in 10 straight seasons, including a career-best 90 receptions in 2006.

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