Seriously, Rams running back Steven Jackson will play against the Dolphins today.

He has been sorely missed. Even the most ardent Jackson bashers — and there plenty of them out there — must admit the Rams are lost without him.

But how well will he run? Will he pull himself almost immediately, as he did last time, or will he have some jump in that injured leg?

And if he does have some jump, will he have any endurance?  His performance (or lack thereof) will tell a lot about Jim Haslett’s quest to reach the four-victory plateau and keep his job past the end of the season.

Fans clamoring for younger Rams to play will be excited to see David Vobora starting at middle linebacker in place of Will Witherspoon, who has gamely been playing hurt.

Linebacker Chris Draft remained on the inactive list, along with cornerback Tye Hill, defensive end Eric Moore, tackle Anthony Davis, rookie guard Roy Schuening, spare center Cory Withrow and spare linebacker Larry Grant.