Mike Smith has said that the Atlanta Falcons need Steven Jackson to return to the field as soon as possible.

The running back has not played since the second week of the season because of a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old told reporters: "We want to get Steven back as quickly as we can. He's continuing to work with our athletic performance group on the side, he hasn't been back out on the field.

"We will see how he is on Tuesday when we get back together. We need to get Steven back as quickly as we can."

The Falcons have 392 rushing yards from their first five games of the season.