Make no mistake about it: Steven Jackson cares about how he’s perceived by Rams fans. He tried to reach out to them when he met with the media Thursday at Rams Park after ending his 27-day holdout.

Jackson will be in uniform but won’t play in Saturday’s preseason meeting with the Ravens at the Dome. So, fans here won’t see Jackson in action in person until Sept. 14, when the Giants visit in Week 2 of the regular season.

Jackson figures he’ll be greeted with some boos.

“You definitely expect mixed reviews,” he said. “When you’re talking about this kind of money, a lot of people can’t really understand why you would turn your back on that contract. . . . I do understand everyone has their own opinion, but I think if I can continue to play in the manner I have in the four years (with the Rams) and stay healthy . . . I will be forgiven. A lot of times we’re hard on our loved ones, and I consider my fans my loved ones.”

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Jackson is one of the most misunderstood athletes I’ve witnessed in nearly four decades in this business. Most perceptions of him are just wrong, and that’s evident to those of us who are around him every day during the season.

We recognize Jackson as an intelligent, respectful, religious, sensitive young man (he just turned 25 last month). And know this, too: nobody competes harder, on Sundays and on the practice field, than Steven Jackson. He’s cocky, sure, but most top running backs are. And though some might believe otherwise as a result of the holdout, Jackson is a dedicated team guy. Any of his teammates would confirm that.

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Notes & quotes:

>>With Jackson in the house, the atmosphere was noticeably upbeat during the 90-minute practice Thursday at the indoor facility. Scott Linehan was even cracking jokes with reporters afterward.

>>Remember when Jackson set a goal last year of 2,500 total yards? That didn’t turn out so well. Asked about this year, Jackson laughed and said, “No goals . . . no goals.”

>>The Rams are taking a slight risk by putting injured G Mark Setterstrom on waivers for 24 hours. Another team could claim him, but with Setterstrom out for the year with a knee injury and after missing the last 13 games last season, also with a bad knee, that’s unlikely. He’ll go on injured reserve if he gets through waivers. Had the Rams done that now, Setterstrom would’ve counted against the 80-man preseason roster.

>>C Brett Romberg, who broke his hand early in camp, still has problems snapping the ball. Nick Leckey remains the first-teamer.

>>The starters probably will play the first half against the Ravens, as they did last week vs. San Diego.

>>You’ll be able to easily recognize DE Victor Adeyanju on the field Saturday. He’ll be the one with a wrap on his right hand that, Romberg noted, resembles a giant Q-tip. It’s protecting a finger Adeyanju broke during camp.

All for now . . .