By Nick Wagoner

Senior Writer

(Noon Update)

Steven Jackson is officially in the fold for the next six years. Jackson signed a six-year contract making him one of the league's highest paid running backs. Exact terms were not yet available but it's believed he will be one of the top paid backs in the league.

Jackson was on the practice field Thursday morning and participated in most individual drills. He was limited in team drills but did take a few snaps. Jackson will be worked back into the mix slowly in practice but coach Scott Linehan says he will get plenty of extra work on the side to get him ready for the season opener against Philadelphia.

"I was never ever ever in doubt that this would get done," Linehan said. "The timing now is very good for incorporation in the upcoming weeks for the opener."

Jackson will not play against the Ravens on Saturday night and isn't likely to play the preseason finale against Kansas City next weekend.

"You can certainly work him physically to where he is getting himself in shape," Linehan said. "We have plans to do some extra things with him even when we are not practicing to get him some extra time on the field."

Jackson is expected to speak to the media in the next half hour or so.

Check back to stlouisrams.com later this afternoon for complete coverage.

(Thursday Morning Update)

Running back Steven Jackson not only ended his holdout Wednesday night but is also on the verge of becoming one of the league's highest paid running backs.

Jackson arrived in St. Louis around 10 p.m. Wednesday and popped in to the Russell Training Center on Thursday morning. Jackson is scheduled for a physical Thursday morning and after that could put the finishing touches on a deal believed to keep him in St. Louis for a further seven years though final terms won't be clear until the deal is signed.

Jackson and President of Football Operations Jay Zygmunt met Thursday morning. The deal will almost certainly be finalized today.

Check back to stlouisrams.com later today for complete coverage.

(Wednesday Afternoon Story)

After 27 days, running back Steven Jackson’s holdout will come to an end Wednesday night, team sources indicated late Wednesday

afternoon.

Jackson is expected to report to the Russell Training Center on Wednesday evening with the understanding that negotiations on a long term contract extension will begin soon after. Eugene Parker, Jackson's agent is also expected in town soon.

"This is obviously a good sign and a step in the right direction," coach Scott Linehan said.

Linehan declined further comment until Jackson's arrival.

Jackson will take a physical Thursday morning and if all goes as expected could be on the field in time for Thursday's morning practice though that is still undecided.

It’s expected that a deal for Jackson could be consummated in the next couple of days though there’s no timetable on such an agreement.

Jackson missed the entire Concordia University training camp segment of the preseason and the first two preseason games. His missed time has cost him an accumulated $408,132.

On the eve of camp, Jackson informed the Rams he would not be attending camp without a new contract. The team made him an offer that was rejected and President of Football Operations Jay Zygmunt followed by announcing that the team would not negotiate further until Jackson reported.

Jackson almost certainly won’t play against Baltimore this weekend as he begins catching up for lost time.