Atlanta Falcons release RB Steven Jackson

It had been rumored for weeks, but on Thursday night, it became official. The Atlanta Falcons have parted ways with veteran running back Steven Jackson.

Jackson, who will turn 32 years old in July, spent the past two seasons in Flowery Branch after excelling with the St. Louis Rams. Jackson struggled with both injury and performance issues throughout his time with the Falcons, and he rushed for only 1,250 total yards and 12 touchdowns across two seasons and 27 games.

The Falcons appear poised to move forward with some combination of second-year running back Devonta Freeman and a potential draftee/free agent, and this move does not come as anything approaching a surprise. Steven Jackson’s career fate could have been sealed by his lack of explosive performance across the past two seasons, but it will be interesting to see if he latches on anywhere for the 2015 season.

Stay tuned.